Social activist and former MLA Medha Kulkarni has called for the renaming of Pune Railway Station to 'Thorle Bajirao Peshwa Railway Station' in honor of the city's rich historical and cultural legacy. She emphasized that the move is not merely symbolic, but an effort to highlight Pune’s deep-rooted association with the Maratha Empire and its iconic leaders.
“Pune is not just a cultural and educational hub of Maharashtra; it is a city enriched by the glorious legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Peshwas,” Kulkarni stated. “Many prominent railway stations in India reflect the historical significance of their regions. Pune too deserves to showcase its unique identity at the national level.”
Kulkarni further expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of Pune Railway Station, calling for urgent action from the government. “The current state of the station is deplorable. Simply changing the name isn’t enough — we must also change the appearance and overall experience of the station to reflect its historical relevance.”
The proposal comes in the wake of the Maharashtra state government's successful renaming of seven suburban railway stations in Mumbai. With those precedents in place, public interest is now piqued as to whether similar action will be taken for Pune.
Known for her consistent activism on civic and cultural issues, Medha Kulkarni continues to raise public concerns at various levels of government. Whether her latest demand garners support from citizens and history enthusiasts remains to be seen in the coming days.