In a move reinforcing regional heritage, the Aurangabad Railway Station in Maharashtra has been officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station, as per a notification by the Central Railway. The station now carries the new code ‘CPSN’, and falls under the Nanded Division of South Central Railway. The renaming follows the earlier change of the city’s name from Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in 2022, a decision taken by the Eknath Shinde-led state government.
Background: A Symbolic Shift
- The original name Aurangabad referenced Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, a controversial figure in Maharashtra’s Maratha history.
- The new name honours Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the second ruler of the Maratha Empire.
- This renaming reflects a larger trend in India to align place names with regional history and identity.
- The official gazette notification for renaming the railway station was issued on October 15, 2025, by the BJP-led Mahayuti government.
Historical and Strategic Importance
- Aurangabad station was established in 1900 during the reign of Mir Osman Ali Khan, the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad.
- Now named Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the station serves as a vital hub for tourism, culture, and connectivity in central Maharashtra.
The city is surrounded by,
- Ajanta Caves
- Ellora Caves
- Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, drawing thousands of domestic and international visitors annually.
Significance of the Renaming
- Cultural Assertion: Renaming the station reinforces Maratha heritage and local pride.
- Political Symbolism: It showcases the current government’s focus on aligning public infrastructure with regional icons.
- Tourism Branding: The name “Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar” is expected to attract interest by associating the location with Maratha history and heritage tourism.
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