Maharashtra's Aurangabad Railway Station renamed as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station — the historic gateway to Maharashtra’s Maratha legacy and UNESCO World Heritage wonders. (Representative Image: PTI)

The South Central Railway has officially approved the change of name of Aurangabad Railway Station in Maharashtra to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station, honouring Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The change was announced on September 25, 2025, with the new station code set as ‘CPSN’ under the Nanded Division.

The decision comes three years after the city itself was renamed from Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. A gazette notification confirming the new name was issued by the Maharashtra government’s Mahayuti alliance on October 15, 2025.

Originally named after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, the station dates back to 1900, during the reign of the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan. The renaming aligns with ongoing efforts to celebrate Maratha heritage and regional identity.

A Gateway to Maharashtra’s Heritage Trail

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is one of Maharashtra’s most significant tourist hubs, offering a glimpse into India’s glorious past. Travellers arriving at the newly renamed station can explore nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, famous for their ancient rock-cut architecture and intricate Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain carvings.

Other must-visit attractions include the Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the “Mini Taj Mahal,” Daulatabad Fort, Panchakki, and the vibrant Paithani saree markets. With improved connectivity under South Central Railway, the city is expected to attract more domestic and international tourists in the coming years.

The renaming of the railway station is not just a symbolic gesture — it’s a reaffirmation of Maharashtra’s enduring Maratha pride, linking history, culture, and modern travel.

(With inputs from agencies)