In a significant development, the Aurangabad railway station in Maharashtra has been officially renamed as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar station. This change was formalized through a gazette notification issued by the state government. This move aligns with the state government’s previous decision to rechristen the city of Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, a tribute to the son of the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The initiative for this name change was originally put forth by the erstwhile Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government. The current BJP-led Mahayuti government officially enacted the railway station’s name change on October 15th, as confirmed by an official statement.
Historically, the Aurangabad railway station, which opened in 1900, was constructed by Mir Osman Ali Khan, the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad. Strategically located on the Kacheguda–Manmad section, the station serves the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city and is a vital hub under the Nanded division of the South Central Railway zone, boasting connectivity to major cities across the country.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar itself is a renowned tourist destination, celebrated for its rich historical tapestry and proximity to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Often referred to as the ‘City of Gates,’ the city features numerous historical gates built during the Mughal Era, along with protected monuments such as the Bibi ka Maqbara and Aurangabad Caves.