In a move aimed at preserving cultural identity and heritage, the decision to rename eight railway stations in the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency has sparked debate and criticism.

Union minister and Member of Parliament from Amethi, Smriti Irani, announced the decision to rename the eight railway stations through a social media post, stating it as a means to maintain the originality of the region’s heritage.

This step follows the Bharatiya Janata Party government’s initiative to change the name of Mughalsarai railway station to Deendayal Upadhaya station and the name of Allahabad to Prayagraj.

In this recent move, name of Kasimpur halt has been changed to Jais City, Jais to Guru Gorakhnath Dham, Bani to Swami Paramhans, Misrauli to Maa Kalika Dham, Nihalgarh to Maharaja Bijli Pasi, Akbarganj to Maa Ahorwa Bhawani Dham, Warisganj to Amar Shaheed Bhale Sultan and Fursatganj railway station to Tapeshwarnath Dham

Smriti Irani says the new names reflect the social and cultural heritage of the area. There was a demand from the people to change the names of these railway stations that reflect the Mughal era to names that belong to this region.

“Thus, these changes were made,” she said.

Northern Railway’s Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Lucknow division, Rekha Sharma, confirmed the initiation of the process to change the names.

She said that while the technical wing of the Railways, CRIS (Centre for Railways Information Systems), had begun registering the new names at the backend, formal communication from the competent authorities was pending.

Sharma assured that the Railways have started the necessary work, including the replacement of boards with new names, and the changes will soon be reflected on the official platforms.

However, the decision has not been received well by everyone. Former Congress MLC Deepak Singh criticised the move, saying, “Kaam nahi badlega, sirf naam badlega” (There will be no change in work, only the name will change).

Singh emphasised the need for development initiatives such as setting up of industries instead of focusing solely on renaming landmarks.

The renaming of these railway stations, coming ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, raises questions about the priorities and strategies of political parties in the region. While proponents argue for the preservation of heritage, critics contend that such actions may divert attention from more pressing issues of development and progress.

As debates ensue, the renaming process marches forward, leaving behind a divided public opinion.