The Maharashtra Cabinet has officially declared the rebranding of eight of Mumbai’s railway stations, transitioning from colonial-era monikers to names that more accurately represent the region’s heritage and cultural identity.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the decision encompasses stations across the Western, Central, and Harbour lines, which fall under the purview of Central Railway and Western Railway.

The updated Railway station names and their new titles are as follows:

1. Curry Road to Lalbaug
2. Sandhurst Road to Dongri
3. Marine Lines to Mumbadevi
4. Cotton Green to Kalachowki
5. Charni Road to Girgaon
6. Dockyard Road to Mazgaon
7. King Circle to Tirthankar Parshivnath It’s worth noting that Sandhurst Road station is unique in that it caters to both the Central and Harbour lines, essentially counting as two stations due to its dual service.

Here are the Railway stations that have been rechristened, alongside their new designations:

• Curry Road, a station frequented by daily commuters, will now be known as Lalbaug, a nod to the nearby famous locality known for its vibrant Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
• Sandhurst Road, serving both the Central and Harbour lines and acting as a crucial interchange, is renamed Dongri, highlighting the historic neighborhood known for its rich history.
• Marine Lines, with its picturesque views of the Arabian Sea, will now celebrate the local deity as Mumbadevi, from which the city’s name, Mumbai, is derived.
• Cotton Green, an area historically linked to Mumbai’s cotton trade, is renamed Kalachowki, reflecting its connection to local industries.
• Charni Road, famous for its proximity to the beach and cultural spots, will be known as Girgaon, a name that resonates with the Marathi community’s heritage in the area.
• Dockyard Road, pivotal for its historical significance to Mumbai’s maritime activities, will be called Mazgaon, another area steeped in the city’s history.
• King Circle, a major hub for commuters, is renamed Tirthankar Parshivnath, honoring the Jain community’s spiritual figure.

The decision to rename these stations follows a comprehensive process that involves not only administrative approval from the state and central governments but also a deep engagement with the local communities to ensure the new names accurately reflect the cultural and historical significance of the areas they serve. Once the proposal secures approval from the government, it will be sent to the Union Home Ministry and the Railway Ministry for final sanction.

The renaming proposal, pending approval from the government, will next be forwarded to the Union Home Ministry and the Railway Ministry for final consent. Additionally, the Maharashtra government has proposed renaming Mumbai Central Station to Nana Jagannath Shankarsheth Station, a request already submitted to the Union government for consideration.

This effort to rename railway stations in Mumbai is a testament to the Maharashtra government’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the state’s rich cultural heritage. By replacing colonial-era names with those that have deep local significance, the initiative aims not only to honor the region’s history and cultural figures but also to strengthen the residents’ connection to their city and its vibrant history.

Visit: Maharashtra Government Website

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