The Central Railway announced on Saturday that Aurangabad railway station in Maharashtra has been officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar railway station, with the new station code CPSN. The facility operates under the Nanded Division of South Central Railway.

The renaming follows a gazette notification issued by the BJP-led Mahayuti government on October 15, aligning the station’s identity with the city’s official name change completed nearly three years prior under the then Eknath Shinde-led administration.

Originally named after Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, the city was rechristened Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in tribute to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the elder son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the second ruler of the Maratha empire. Sambhaji ascended the throne in 1681 and is remembered for his fierce resistance against Mughal expansion, ultimately meeting a brutal end in 1689 after capture and torture by Aurangzeb’s forces.

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The railway station, inaugurated in 1900 during the rule of the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, serves as a vital transport hub connecting central India to major metropolitan centers. It handles over 50 daily trains, including long-distance expresses linking Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.

Located 350 kilometers northeast of Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar remains a key gateway to Maharashtra’s rich historical and cultural heritage. The region is home to the Ajanta Caves (2nd century BCE–6th century CE) and Ellora Caves (6th–10th century CE), both designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These rock-cut monasteries and temples showcase exquisite Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain art, drawing over 2.5 million visitors annually.

The name change has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters view it as a long-overdue correction of colonial-era nomenclature that glorified imperial conquerors, while critics argue it risks erasing layered historical narratives. Local authorities, however, emphasize that the transition honors indigenous valor and aligns public infrastructure with regional identity.

Railway operations remain unaffected during the transition, with updated signage, ticketing systems, and digital platforms reflecting the new name progressively over the coming weeks. The Central Railway has urged passengers to use the updated station code CPSN for bookings to avoid confusion.

The renaming completes a symbolic overhaul of one of Maharashtra’s most prominent urban centers, reinforcing the state’s ongoing efforts to reclaim Maratha legacy in public memory. With the Daulatabad Fort, Bibi Ka Maqbara, and the 52 gates of the old walled city nearby, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar continues to bridge ancient grandeur with modern connectivity.

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