Maharashtra’s Maratha heritage, the historic Aurangabad Railway Station once bearing the name of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb has officially been renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station, nearly three years after the city itself shed its colonial-era identity. The Central Railway confirmed the change on Saturday, announcing the new station code ‘CPSN’, which will now fall under the Nanded Division of the South Central Railway.
The renaming marks a significant milestone in the region’s cultural and political journey one that reclaims the city’s historical and civilizational pride long overshadowed by foreign rule. The Central Railway’s official notification follows the Mahayuti government’s gazette order issued on October 15, 2025, finalising the long-awaited name change.
This move completes a process initiated in 2022 when Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s government formally renamed Aurangabad city as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, honouring the valiant Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the second ruler of the Maratha Empire. Sambhaji Maharaj is revered for his fearless resistance against Mughal tyranny and his martyrdom in the face of Aurangzeb’s atrocities a legacy deeply rooted in Maharashtra’s collective memory.
Opened in 1900 during the reign of the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, the railway station was originally named after Aurangzeb, whose oppressive policies remain a painful reminder of the subcontinent’s Mughal past. The renaming thus represents a powerful act of historical correction a reclaiming of identity that aligns with the state’s ongoing effort to honour indigenous heroes over invaders.
“This is not just a renaming it’s a restoration of pride, honour, and truth,” remarked a senior Maharashtra official, noting how the new name reinforces the deep emotional and historical connection of the people with the Maratha legacy.
Beyond its symbolic value, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is one of Maharashtra’s most important tourist destinations, attracting millions each year. The newly christened station now serves as the gateway to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, masterpieces of ancient rock-cut architecture that echo the region’s civilisational grandeur. Travellers can also explore Daulatabad Fort, Bibi Ka Maqbara (the ‘Mini Taj Mahal’), Panchakki, and the famous Paithani saree markets, which showcase the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry.
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