Maharashtra Government renames eight Iconic Mumbai railway stations: Shedding Colonial Legacy

 Mumbai Renames Iconic Railway Station, Shedding Colonial Legacy

Date: March 13, 2024

MUMBAI, India – In a historic move reflecting the city’s evolving identity and decolonization efforts,Cabinet on wednsday has approved renaming of eight  Mumbai railway stations, shedding its British colonial moniker.

 list of this eight iconic Mumbai Railway Stations.

Maharashtra Cabinet on Wednesday decided to rename eight Mumbai railway stations that bear names dating back to the British colonial era. Following the approval,

                                           1) Curry Road will be renamed to Lalbaug,

                                          2)Sandhurst Road will now be known as Dongri, 

                                           3)Marine Lines will be rechristened as Mumbadevi.

                                           4)Cotton Green will be renamed to Kalachowki.

                                            5)Charni Road to Girgaon.

                                            6)Dockyard Road to Mazgaon.

                                             7)King Circle to Tirthakar Parshivnath.

                                            8) Sandhurst Harber known as Dongri.

The cabinet has also decided to rename Mumbai Central Station as Nana Jagannath Shankarsheth Station for which a proposal has been sent to the Railways Ministry.

 

Formerly known as Victoria Terminus, the bustling transportation hub situated in the heart of Mumbai will now be called “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus” (CSMT). The decision to rename the station was announced by city officials following extensive consultations with stakeholders and consideration of public sentiment.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a revered figure in Maharashtra’s history, was a 17th-century Maratha warrior king known for his military prowess, administrative acumen, and commitment to the welfare of his people. Renaming the station after him is seen as a nod to Mumbai’s rich cultural heritage and a symbolic step towards reclaiming indigenous identities.

The renaming of these eight Mumbai railway stations is part of a broader trend in India to replace colonial-era names with indigenous ones, a movement that has gained momentum in recent years. Cities across the country have been reevaluating their public spaces, landmarks, and institutions, seeking to reflect the diversity and plurality of Indian culture while confronting the legacies of colonialism.

While the decision has been widely praised by proponents of cultural revival and social justice, it has also sparked some controversy, with critics arguing that such efforts amount to historical revisionism or political posturing. However, supporters maintain that renaming initiatives are essential for acknowledging the complex layers of India’s past and promoting a more inclusive narrative that honors the contributions of all communities.

The renaming of Mumbai’s iconic railway stations represents a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing journey of self-discovery and identity formation. As Mumbai continues to evolve as a global metropolis, its cultural landscape reflects a dynamic interplay of tradition and modernity, heritage and innovation, reaffirming its status as the “City of Dreams” for millions of residents and visitors alike.

The cabinet has also decided to rename Ahmednagar district as Ahilya Nagar.

Also, the cabinet has approved the construction of a sea link between Uttan (Bhayander) and Virar (Palghar).

“Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and members of the Cabinet were present in this Cabinet meeting held at Sahyadri Guest House,” Maharashtra Chief Minister’s office posted on X.

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