Name Confusion At Mumbai Station: ‘Vadala’ Or ‘Wadala’? Railways Promises Correction

Mumbai: A recently renovated suburban railway station of Central Railways Mumbai division has become the center of a name confusion controversy, triggering widespread discussion and amusement online. The station, which was upgraded under the 'Amrit Bharat Station Scheme' recently and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video link from Rajasthan on Thursday, displays conflicting names — ‘Vadala’ at some locations and ‘Wadala’ at others.

The mix-up was noticed by The Free Press Journal (FPJ). While the entrance bore the name ‘Wadala’, other signboards within the premises referred to it as ‘Vadala’, leaving commuters puzzled and social media users amused.

Central Railway acknowledge the blunder. A senior railway officer stated that “Vadala is the correct spelling and it will be corrected at the station entrance".

The incident gained traction on social media, where users poked fun at the lack of coordination. One user quipped, “Seems two separate contractors who didn’t want to talk to each other.” Another user, Manoj (@Vrisha_MD), pointed out, “Wadala has been the name I have seen for the past 40 years. Vadala seems to be the anglicized version.”

Kartik Nadar added, “This confusion has been existential for some time,” suggesting that the name inconsistency predates the current signage blunder.

In response to the online chatter, the Division Railway Manager of Mumbai Division intervened, directing the Senior Divisional Engineer (Coordination) to look into the matter .

However, Central Railway has promised that the signage will be rectified promptly to maintain uniformity and clarity for commuters. "The episode has once again highlighted the importance of attention to detail in public infrastructure projects, especially those inaugurated at the highest levels" said a frequent commuter.

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