Maharashtra govt names Oshiwara railway station Ram Mandir

The area outside the station is known as Ram Mandir, as there is a temple in the vicinity

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government on Friday issued a notification naming the new Oshiwara station, which is located between Jogeshwari and Goregaon, Ram Mandir. As the state is yet to get nod from the railways, the decision may trigger a controversy.

Sources said in case of Oshiwara station, the government completed the necessary procedure, including getting the district collector’s report, before issuing the notification.(HT)

Meanwhile, the new station was to be inaugurated on Sunday. It has now been deferred.

The area outside the station is known as Ram Mandir, as there is a temple in the vicinity. According to railway sources, naming or renaming a station is the prerogative of the state. As per the procedure, the government calls for a report from the district collector before taking the decision.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “The area is known as Ram Mandir chowk. The decision to name the station by Ram Mandir is thus justified.”

Sources said in case of Oshiwara station, the government completed the necessary procedure, including getting the district collector’s report, before issuing the notification. It will now be sent to Indian Railway Conference Association, a council functioning under the ministry of railways, to endorse the station name and code.

Mukul Jain, divisional railway manager of WR, said, “The proposal has been sent, but I am not aware if it has been approved.”

“Ahead of the BMC elections, the ruling parties have started playing politics in the name of Ram,” said Nawab Malik, NCP spokesperson.

Read: In Mumbai: BEST asks WR for land to build depot near Oshiwara station