
In a move aimed at reflecting India’s cultural identity and shedding colonial-era nomenclature, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the renaming of eight iconic railway stations in Mumbai. The decision, made during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, signifies a significant step towards reclaiming indigenous heritage.
Under the newly sanctioned names, Curry Road will be rechristened Lalbaug, Sandhurst Road will assume the name Dongri, and Marine Lines will be known as Mumbadevi. Additionally, Cotton Green will transition to Kalachowki, Charni Road to Girgaon, Dockyard Road to Mazgaon, and King Circle to Tirthakar Parshivnath.
Further emphasizing this shift, Mumbai Central Station is slated to be renamed Nana Jagannath Shankarsheth Station, pending approval from the Railways Ministry. The decision to rename these stations aligns with the government’s efforts to honor local cultural icons and historical figures, shedding colonial associations.
Additionally, the Maharashtra Cabinet has sanctioned the acquisition of 2.5 acres of land in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, to construct a Maharashtra Bhavan. This move underscores the state’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange and connectivity beyond its borders.
In another significant development, the cabinet has approved renaming Ahmednagar district as Ahilya Nagar, paying homage to the revered historical figure, Ahilyabai Holkar. This decision reflects a broader trend of reevaluating and redefining place names to better reflect the region’s cultural heritage.
Furthermore, the cabinet has given the green light to the construction of a sea link between Uttan (Bhayander) and Virar (Palghar), enhancing connectivity and facilitating economic development in the region.
The cabinet meeting, attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, alongside other cabinet members, convened at the Sahyadri Guest House, as announced by the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s office on X.
This announcement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent inauguration of 10 high-speed Vande Bharat trains, including one between Ahmedabad and Mumbai Central. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting the employment opportunities it would create through the ‘One station, one product’ scheme.
Sources By Agencies