Sarnaik emphasised the importance of preserving local heritage, village identity, and the cultural ethos of the fishermen and tribal communities in the Thane and Mira-Bhayandar regions
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik. File Pic
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has written to Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena president Eknath Shinde urging a revision of the proposed names for stations under three Metro lines in Thane and Bhayandar regions.
Sarnaik emphasised the importance of preserving local heritage, village identity, and the cultural ethos of the fishermen and tribal communities in the Thane and Mira-Bhayandar regions, a release stated.
Sarnaik, who has represented the Ovala–Majiwada Assembly Constituency for 16 years, alleged that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has suggested station names without consulting local residents or original inhabitants. He noted with concern that some proposed names appear to be drawn from private real estate developments, disregarding the area's indigenous history and demographic roots.
“This region includes many villages and tribal hamlets, and the Agri-Koli community has contributed significantly to the region’s development. It is only fair that station names reflect their legacy and not that of commercial interests,” Sarnaik wrote.
The Shiv Sena leader proposed a revised list of station names for all three metro corridors, suggesting alternatives that include references to local landmarks, ancient temples, and prominent historical and cultural figures. For example, he suggested replacing “Cadbury Junction” with “Thane Municipal Corporation Building” and “Tin Hat Naka” with “Dharamveer Anant Dighe” on Metro-4. Similarly, for Metro-10, he proposed naming a station “Hindu Hriday Samrat Late Balasaheb Thackeray Chowpatty” instead of “Retibunder.”
Sarnaik also suggested that the Dongri car shed be named after the ancient Velankanni Devi Temple, while the Mogharpada car shed be named after Kaparadev, a revered local deity.
“Local names not only preserve heritage but foster a deeper sense of belonging among residents,” he asserted.
Cost-effectiveness of e-tractors will revolutionise farmers' lives: Sarnaik
The advent of electric tractors is expected to significantly transform the lives of farmers due to their cost-effectiveness and is poised to usher in a new era within the country's agricultural sector, according to Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
During a ceremony where the inaugural e-tractor was registered at the Thane Regional Transport Office (RTO), he further stated that purchasers would receive a subsidy of Rs 1.5 lakh under the Maharashtra State Electric Vehicle Policy 2025, in addition to interest-free loans provided through the state-owned Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation.
"The operational costs are reduced by 60-70 per cent owing to the use of electricity instead of diesel. For example, the cost to plough one acre with diesel tractors ranges from Rs 1200 to Rs 1500, whereas this expense decreases to Rs 300 with an electric tractor. This development is expected to revolutionise the lives of farmers and herald a new chapter in the nation's agricultural history," Sarnaik affirmed.
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