Maharashtra Legislature Unanimously Approves Renaming of Seven Mumbai Train Stations

The Maharashtra legislative council and assembly passed resolutions on Tuesday to rename seven stations on Mumbai's local train network. The Mahayuti government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP under Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, will now seek approval from the Union government for these new names.

In the legislative assembly, the proposal was introduced by Minister Dada Bhuse. The resolution in the Council was moved by state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandrakant Patil and was adopted unanimously. This move aims to replace English names that are seen as remnants of colonial rule.

Focus on Cultural Identity

Currey Road station will be renamed Lalbaug, while Sandhurst Road will become Dongri. Marine Lines will be called Mumbadevi, and Charni Road will be renamed Girgaon. These changes reflect a shift towards culturally significant names for public spaces.

The renaming of Sandhurst Road will apply to both the Central Line and the Harbour Line. Other stations undergoing name changes include Cotton Green to Kalachowki, Dockyard Road to Mazgaon, and Kings Circle to Tirthankar Parswanath.

Historical Context

Mumbai has seen similar changes in the past. Iconic stations like Victoria Terminus (VT) were renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), and Elphinstone Road became Prabhadevi. These changes are part of a broader trend to embrace culturally resonant names for public spaces.

Opposition Leader Ambadas Danve questioned the renaming of Aurangabad airport in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city. However, Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe rejected his demand for discussion, stating that the concerned minister could address his query later.

Additional Renaming Proposals

Nitin Raut from Congress proposed renaming Dadar station as Chaityabhoomi. He argued that Dr B R Ambedkar's memorial is situated in Dadar, where he also lived. This proposal highlights ongoing efforts to honour significant historical figures through place names.

The Maharashtra government had previously renamed Aurangabad and Osmanabad districts in Marathwada region to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Dharashiv, respectively. These changes are part of a larger initiative to reflect local heritage and history in place names.

This latest round of renaming is expected to continue the trend of embracing culturally significant nomenclature for public spaces in Mumbai and beyond.