Aurangabad Railway Station Renamed to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station (Code CPSN). Learn why the change was made, historical context, and key facts important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and Railway exams.
Aurangabad Railway Station Renamed to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station
A Landmark Move in Maharashtra’s Transport & Heritage Landscape
In a fresh move underscoring regional pride and heritage, the Central Railway (CR) has officially renamed the Aurangabad railway station in Maharashtra to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar railway station. Alongside the name change, the station code has been updated to CPSN.
This change comes about three years after the city of Aurangabad itself was renamed to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, reflecting the government’s decision to align infrastructure names with the region’s historical roots.
What the Renaming Entails
The renaming impacts all official signage, train reservation systems, station code listings, timetables, and maps within the jurisdiction of the South Central Railway (SCR), under whose Nanded division the station falls.
The date of official gazette notification for this change is reported to be 15 October 2025 by state authorities.
Why the Change Matters
Firstly, the old name ‘Aurangabad’ had been popularly associated with the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, a figure whose legacy remains contested in Maratha‐centred narratives. The renaming to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar honours the Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and signals a reassertion of local heritage
Secondly, given the station’s significance as a rail hub in central-Maharashtra — serving tourism to the UNESCO sites like Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves — the change is also viewed as part of branding the region for cultural tourism and connectivity.
Impact on Students & Exams
For aspirants of exams like Staff Selection Commission (SSC), railways, banking, civil services (IAS/PCS) and state PSCs, this development is relevant to the “Current Affairs – Indian Railways & Transport Infrastructure” and “Regional Identity & Renaming of Places” syllabus. Key points like new station name, code, and underlying heritage reason can feature in static GK, current affairs, and railway/transportation‐related sections.
Additionally, this renaming is part of a broader national trend where cities, districts or infrastructure are renamed to reflect local historical or cultural identities — another important theme for exams.
What to Remember
- Station old name: Aurangabad Railway Station
- New name: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station
- New station code: CPSN
- Located in Maharashtra, under South Central Railway, Nanded division
- Gazette notification date: 15 October 2025 (as per media)
Why This News Is Important
For Infrastructure & Connectivity
The renaming of the railway station is more than just a symbolic change — it signals the importance of railway nodes in India’s transportation network. By redesignating a major station in central Maharashtra, the move draws attention to the role of the station in facilitating passenger movement, tourism, and regional linkage. For students preparing for railway exams or general studies sections focusing on infrastructure, this provides a concrete example of railways adapting to regional changes.
For Cultural & Regional Identity
In the context of competitive exams that ask questions about name changes of cities, districts or infrastructure, this news becomes particularly relevant. It underscores how states are increasingly aligning administrative and infrastructural names with cultural or historical figures. The renaming to honour Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj reflects a conscious attempt at heritage branding and regional identity assertion. Understanding this shift gives students insight into how infrastructure is used as a vehicle of identity and governance.
For Static GK & Current Affairs
Station codes, name changes, and jurisdictional authority (such as South Central Railway) are commonly featured in competitive exams (Railways, SSC, banking, state PSCs). The fact that a key station’s name and code have changed means students must update their knowledge base and be prepared to answer such questions. Moreover, the overlap of this with themes like tourism (because the station serves the Ajanta–Ellora region) makes it multifaceted from an exam perspective.
For Broader Policy Trends
This development is part of wider national patterns: renaming of cities, infrastructure (ports, stations, airports) and aligning them with historical figures or regional heroes. Students studying governance, public policy, or Indian administration would benefit from noting that such changes often have both symbolic and strategic dimensions (e.g., tourism, identity, politics).
Historical Context
The City’s Name Change
The city of Aurangabad had been officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in 2022 (approved by the Maharashtra cabinet) and subsequently validated through legal processes. The change reflects a longstanding demand to shed the colonial/Mughal association of the name “Aurangabad” and instead honour Maratha heritage.
Origin of the Station & Name
Aurangabad railway station, established during the period of the Nizam’s rule (as part of the Hyderabad State) in the early 20th century, served as a key rail hub in the region. The name “Aurangabad” was derived from the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, a controversial figure in Indian history. The renaming movement thus derives impetus from historical revisionism and regional identity politics.
Trend of Renaming Infrastructure
Across India, infrastructural facilities (railway stations, airports, public buildings) have undergone renaming to reflect local or cultural heroes: e.g., renaming of cities like Osmanabad to Dharashiv. In Maharashtra itself, several such name changes have been authorised to reinforce local identity, heritage, and political signalling.
Heritage & Tourism Role
The region around Aurangabad / Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar includes major heritage sites like Ajanta and Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Sites). The railway station acts as an entry point for tourists, and hence renaming it has both symbolic value and tourism branding impact.
Key Takeaways from Renaming of Aurangabad Railway Station
| S. No | Key takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Aurangabad railway station has been officially renamed as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station. |
| 2 | The new station code is CPSN under the Nanded division of South Central Railway. |
| 3 | The renaming follows the earlier change of the city’s name from Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, reflecting Maratha heritage restoration. |
| 4 | The gazette notification date is 15 October 2025 (state government) and the railway change was reported 25 October 2025. |
| 5 | The move highlights broader trends of infrastructure renaming in India, combining transport, heritage, tourism and regional identity. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the new name of the Aurangabad Railway Station?
The Aurangabad Railway Station has been officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station, reflecting Maharashtra’s Maratha heritage.
2. What is the new station code of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station?
The new station code is CPSN, replacing the previous code used under Aurangabad.
3. Under which railway division does Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station fall?
It comes under the Nanded Division of the South Central Railway (SCR) zone.
4. When was the renaming of Aurangabad Railway Station officially approved?
The official notification was issued on 15 October 2025, three years after the city’s name was changed in 2022.
5. Why was Aurangabad Railway Station renamed?
The renaming aims to honour Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and to reflect the regional Maratha heritage and identity.
6. What is the historical significance of the name Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj?
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was the brave son and successor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, known for defending the Maratha Empire against Mughal expansion.
7. Which other city or infrastructure renamings have recently taken place in Maharashtra?
The Maharashtra government has also approved the renaming of Osmanabad to Dharashiv and Islampur to Ishwarpur as part of the same heritage-linked initiative.
8. What are the tourism implications of this renaming?
Since the station serves the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the renaming is expected to strengthen cultural tourism branding for the region.
9. How is this news relevant for government exam aspirants?
This topic is relevant for Current Affairs, Static GK, Indian Railways, Indian Polity, and Culture sections of exams such as UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, Banking, and Railways.
10. What broader policy trend does this renaming represent?
The renaming aligns with India’s broader policy of restoring historical and cultural names to cities, stations, and infrastructure, emphasizing regional pride and identity politics.
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