Aurangabad, Maharashtra – In a move that marks the completion of a long-standing renaming initiative, the Aurangabad railway station has officially been rechristened as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar station. The change was formalized through a gazette notification issued by the Maharashtra state government on October 15, 2025.

The renaming of the railway station comes nearly three years after the city itself was formally renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar by the previous government headed by Eknath Shinde. The city, historically named after Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, received the new designation as a tribute to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of the legendary Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The original proposal for renaming the city was initiated by the erstwhile Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, reflecting an effort to emphasize the region’s Maratha heritage.

Officials from the state government confirmed that the recent gazette notification now extends this change to the city’s primary railway station, which serves as a key transportation hub in Maharashtra. The BJP-led Mahayuti government, which has continued the renaming process, cited the decision as part of an effort to honor historical Maratha figures and to align public infrastructure with the city’s official name.

Aurangabad railway station, now Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar station, has a long historical legacy. It was inaugurated in 1900 by the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, during the period when the city formed part of the Nizam’s dominion. Strategically located on the Kacheguda–Manmad railway section, the station provides vital connectivity for the city and the surrounding region. It falls under the Nanded division of the South Central Railway zone and links Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar with major cities across India. The station has long served as a gateway for passengers and goods, facilitating the city’s economic and cultural interactions with other parts of the country.

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city itself is a renowned tourist destination, attracting visitors for its rich historical and cultural heritage. The city is famous for its proximity to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which feature centuries-old rock-cut temples and intricate murals. Known locally as the “City of Gates,” Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar boasts numerous historical gates that were constructed during the Mughal era and bear witness to the city’s strategic and cultural significance. In addition to the gates, the city houses two Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected monuments—the Bibi Ka Maqbara and the Aurangabad Caves—as well as several other heritage sites within its limits.

The renaming of the railway station is expected to reinforce the city’s identity and heritage, particularly as it continues to develop as a hub for tourism and commerce. Local historians and civic leaders have welcomed the decision, noting that aligning the station’s name with the city not only honors the Maratha legacy but also helps in creating a unified cultural narrative for residents and visitors alike.

The South Central Railway has indicated that all official signage, tickets, and communications will now reflect the updated name, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar station, and efforts are underway to implement the change across all operational and public-facing platforms.

As Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar continues to grow in prominence as a center for tourism, education, and commerce, the renaming of its railway station represents both a symbolic and practical step in celebrating the city’s historical roots while serving the needs of its modern residents and travelers.