The Aurangabad railway station in Maharashtra has been officially renamed as “Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar railway station.” The Central Railway announced the change on Saturday, confirming that the new station code will be CPSN.
The decision comes nearly three years after the city of Aurangabad was renamed as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar by the then Eknath Shinde-led government. The BJP-led Mahayuti government issued a gazette notification on October 15 to formalize the railway station’s name change.
The Name of “Aurangabad” Railway Station Changed as “CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR” Railway Station@drmned @drmsecunderabad @drmhyb @drmvijayawada @drmgnt @drmgtl @RailMinIndia @Central_Railway @WesternRly pic.twitter.com/sjKeZD1Hdb
— South Central Railway (@SCRailwayIndia) October 25, 2025
According to the Central Railway, the station falls under the Nanded Division of South Central Railway.
Why Was the Station Renamed?
The renaming of Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is part of a larger effort to honour Maratha history and legacy. The city was originally named after Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, but the new name pays tribute to Chhatrapati Sambhaji, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the second ruler of the Maratha Empire.
Officials said the change reflects “the sentiments of the people” and aligns with the government’s push to restore historical pride linked to Maratha icons.
Historical Significance of the Station
The Aurangabad railway station was opened in 1900 during the reign of Mir Osman Ali Khan, the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad. For more than a century, it has served as a key transport hub for travellers heading to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Now renamed as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the city and its railway station hold renewed symbolic importance as a centre of Maratha heritage and tourism.
Renaming of Aurangabad City
In 2022, the Eknath Shinde government formally renamed Aurangabad city as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Osmanabad as Dharashiv. This move fulfilled a long-standing demand of several political and cultural groups who saw the old names as remnants of Mughal-era rule.
With the railway station now carrying the same name, officials believe the decision will bring administrative consistency and cultural recognition to the region.
Political and Cultural Symbolism
The renaming is not only administrative but also politically symbolic. It strengthens the government’s stance on honouring Maratha history while appealing to regional sentiments ahead of the upcoming elections.
Analysts say such moves often serve a dual purpose—reviving cultural pride and shaping political identity. For locals, the renaming represents a restoration of respect for their heritage, while for the government, it reinforces its Maratha-centric narrative.
Tourism officials expect that the name change could also help boost cultural tourism by attracting more visitors interested in Maratha history, alongside the region’s historic caves and forts.
Tourist Hub of Maharashtra
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is one of Maharashtra’s top tourist destinations. The city is surrounded by the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara, and other historical monuments. With improved rail connectivity and a culturally significant new name, officials hope the city will draw more domestic and international tourists.
