Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced that the authority to decide the names of all metro stations in the national capital will now rest entirely with the Delhi government. Under the revised system, approvals will be granted exclusively by the State Naming Authority, which is chaired by the Chief Minister.

The decision follows a recent joint meeting between the Delhi government and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, where the issue of metro station nomenclature was discussed. Officials said it was agreed that while DMRC may propose tentative station names in detailed project reports, the final approval and naming will be carried out by the State Naming Authority. Any names suggested by DMRC in future project documents will be indicative in nature.

DMRC has also been asked to submit, at the earliest, a list of names for stations that have already been constructed but are yet to become operational. Details regarding pending renaming requests and proposals for upcoming stations are expected to be shared separately.

The policy shift comes amid ongoing public debate and demands related to renaming metro stations. In November, Gupta had announced name changes for three stations, citing the need for better commuter clarity and stronger local relevance. Under these changes, Pitampura station on the Red Line will be renamed Madhuban Chowk before it becomes an interchange with the Magenta Line. Two Phase IV stations under construction will be named North Pitampura–Prashant Vihar and Haiderpur Village.

Officials said vesting naming powers with the State Naming Authority will ensure a uniform, transparent and accountable process, avoiding ad-hoc changes that could confuse commuters. The authority comprises senior Delhi government officials, including the chief secretary and the head of the urban development department.