'Peak Capitalism': Mumbai Metro Stations Named After Brands Stir Up Public Opinion
Twitter users are divided on the decision to name Mumbai metro stations after brands, with some calling it "peak capitalism." The move has sparked controversy and mixed reactions online.
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.'s decision to name its stations after brands has ignited a debate on social media. While some are hailing it as a progressive step towards generating revenue for the metro, others are calling it a "peak capitalism" move.
The MMRC, which is a joint venture between the Indian government and the state government of Maharashtra, plans to lease out its stations' naming rights to corporations for up to 10 years. This is expected to bring in significant revenue for the metro, which has been facing financial challenges.
However, the move has been met with mixed reactions on Twitter. Some users have criticised the decision, saying that it goes against the principles of public infrastructure and favours corporate interests over public welfare. Others have argued that it is a practical solution to generate revenue for the metro and could lead to better maintenance and facilities.
The naming of public infrastructure after corporations is not new in India, with airports and stadiums already carrying brand names. However, it is the first time that such a move has been made in the case of metro stations.
Naming Mumbai Metro Stations After Brands Creates A Buzz On Twitter
peak capitalism. pic.twitter.com/wX85LelMFK
¡ª shlok (used to have blue tick) (@shlokafc) May 7, 2023
On Sunday, a Twitter user named Shlok (who used to have a blue tick) posted a photo with the message "Peak Capitalism." In the image, you can see route maps inside the Mumbai metro with names like LIC Andheri, Medimax Azad Nagar, and so on, rather than just saying the station's name without identifying the sponsor. The shot was titled 'peak capitalism' by the user.
Let's Check Out What The Internet Is Saying
Since the picture was shared on Twitter, it has been creating a lot of buzz, and till now it has gotten over 100K views, 131 retweets, 2,251 likes, 39 quotes, and 39 bookmarks. Many individuals said that allowing stations to be named after brands is a successful government tactic for raising funds and keeping public transit inexpensive. While some people have expressed their dissatisfaction with the commercialization of tax-funded initiatives such as public transportation.
According to one of the commentators, this is an excellent approach for the government to fund infrastructure initiatives. They have taken the lead from the United States, where stadium names are sponsored by corporations.
in my view good way for the government to fund infrastructure projects
¡ª Shivam Rastogi (@shivam_xyz) May 7, 2023
they have taken a cue from US where stadiums are names are sponsored by corporates
According to one of the users, it is critical to keep metro stations clean and to protect them from being converted into railway stations.
Very essential to keep metro and stations clean and prevent them from being turned into railway like stations
¡ª FIN TRACKER ? (@SlayerSystem) May 8, 2023
Another said, Because of this, the share price of LIC is falling in "Andheri"
Jis hisab se LIC ka share price gir rha hai wo "Andheri" mei hi hai ?
¡ª Tanmay (@panipuriseller) May 9, 2023
Yet another said, "Will the name change when this brand no longer sponsors."
Will the name change when this brand no longer sponsor
¡ª Pranjal Sharma (@chandlerpeeing) May 8, 2023
What do you think about it? Do let us know in the comments.
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