The demand to rename Old Delhi Railway Station is once again gaining momentum. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has written to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, requesting that the station be renamed "Maharaja Agrasen Railway Station."
Purani Dilli Railway Station: The process of renaming Old Delhi Railway Station, one of Delhi's oldest and most historic railway stations, has begun. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has formally requested Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, through a letter, to rename the station as Maharaja Agrasen Railway Station.
In her letter, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta wrote that Maharaja Agrasen was not only a symbol of social service and philanthropy but also held a historically high image as a just and welfare-oriented ruler. Therefore, this step is necessary to honor his memory and connect the new generation with his inspiration.
Two senior BJP leaders have confirmed the letter, stating that the Chief Minister sent it to the Railway Minister on June 19th. The copy of the letter has now been made public, causing a stir in the capital's political landscape.
Historical Significance of Old Delhi Station
It is worth noting that Old Delhi Railway Station (formerly known as Delhi Junction) was built in the 19th century and has held significant historical importance since the British era. This station is among the busiest and oldest railway hubs in the capital, with millions of passengers passing through it every day. Trains operate from here not only to Delhi and North India but also to many parts of the country. Therefore, the issue of its name change has also become connected to people's sentiments.
Maharaja Agrasen: A Symbol of Social Service
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta wrote in the letter that Maharaja Agrasen gave the message of equality, brotherhood, and mutual cooperation in ancient India. He worked to bring prosperity and peace to society through trade, charity, and just governance. The CM believes that renaming such an important station in the capital after him will better commemorate his contribution to society. It will also increase awareness of his ideals among the youth.
However, there has been no formal response from the Ministry of Railways on this issue yet. Sources say that the process of renaming takes time because it involves several stages, such as approval from the Railway Board, advice from the Language Committee, and the opinion of the local public. In addition, administrative and technical changes related to renaming the station are also part of a major process, which includes updating everything from the ticketing system to signboards and digital maps.
