MMRDA, metro operator in tiff over renaming of stations

MUMBAI: After a year-long ceasefire between the state and the Mumbai metro operator, gloves are off again. This time, the bone of contention is the renaming of metro

MUMBAI: After a year-long ceasefire between the state and the Mumbai metro operator, gloves are off again. This time, the bone of contention is the renaming of metro stations.

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The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) issued a notice to the Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL), demanding an explanation over renaming stations without permission.

While the MMRDA claimed that the move violated the state laws and norms in the concession agreement signed for development of the 11.4-km-long Versova- AndheriGhatkopar (VAG) Metro line, the MMOPL on the other hand insisted that it has responded to the MMRDA’s queries and renaming stations was a global practice.

It has been learnt the MMOPL will be renaming the stations with the prefix of the companies providing it with ads. For example, the Western Express Highway station, simply called the WEH station, will be rechristened as ‘Magic bricks WEH station’ on Tuesday. The ceremony will now be attended by Thane (City) Mayor Sanjay More, after the MMRDA commissioner UPS Madan rejected the invite to attend a similar event on August 1.

“How could I go for the event? I refused to be a part of it because the renaming is being done without seeking prior permission of the government. We have sent a notice to MMOPL for violating norms in the concession agreement and certain state laws,” Madan said. MMOPL intends to rename all 12 stations, but refused to divulge details about permissions. “We have replied to all their queries and concerns in writing,” said a spokesperson of MMOPL.