Mumbai News— In a move that blends civic identity with cultural pride, the Maharashtra government has approved the renaming of seven key suburban railway stations in Mumbai. These stations, long associated with their British-era names, will now carry names that reflect the city’s indigenous heritage, religious importance, and historical significance. The decision has been passed by the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and now awaits final approval from the Central Government.
Mumbai’s local train network is more than just a mode of transport — it’s the city’s lifeline, ferrying millions of passengers daily. The renaming of stations is not just a symbolic change but a reflection of Mumbai’s evolving identity, where places resonate more deeply with local history and sentiments.
Here’s the full list of stations being renamed, along with the new names and the rationale behind each change:
| Old Station Name | New Name |
|---|---|
| Currey Road | Lalbaug |
| Sandhurst Road | Dongri |
| Marine Lines | Mumbadevi |
| Charni Road | Girgaon |
| Cotton Green | Kalachowki |
| Dockyard Road | Mazgaon |
| King’s Circle | Tirthankar Parswanath |
Why the Renaming? Historical, Religious, and Cultural Relevance
This initiative is not just about removing colonial names. According to officials, the aim is to honor local culture, acknowledge historical roots, and reflect the faiths of the communities that have shaped these neighbourhoods.
- Lalbaug (Currey Road): Known for the iconic ‘Lalbaugcha Raja’ Ganesh idol during Ganesh Chaturthi, it’s a symbol of Mumbai’s festive spirit.
- Dongri (Sandhurst Road): A heritage-rich area famed for its vibrant markets and mouthwatering street food.
- Mumbadevi (Marine Lines): Named after Goddess Mumbadevi, believed to be the deity after whom Mumbai is named.
- Girgaon (Charni Road): Deeply rooted in Marathi culture and history, home to forts, temples, and cultural festivals.
- Kalachowki (Cotton Green): A cultural hotspot known for traditional events and heritage sites.
- Mazgaon (Dockyard Road): One of Mumbai’s original seven islands, it remains rich in maritime history.
- Tirthankar Parswanath (King’s Circle): Named in reverence to the 23rd Tirthankar of Jainism, reflecting the area’s large Jain community.
What’s Next in the Renaming Process?
Though approved at the state level, these new names will only become official once cleared by the Central Government. Post-approval, changes will reflect across platforms — including station signage, ticketing systems, railway announcements, mobile apps, and Google Maps.
Until then, commuters may still see the old names at stations, but gradual transitions — including dual signboards — are expected to ease the process.
This isn’t the first time Mumbai has seen such changes:
- Victoria Terminus → Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)
- Elphinstone Road → Prabhadevi
- Bombay → Mumbai (1995)
- Aurangabad → Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
- Osmanabad → Dharashiv
These renamings are part of a broader movement to reclaim local narratives and dismantle colonial nomenclature, giving neighborhoods names that citizens can relate to more deeply.
What Will Change for Commuters?
While the names may take some getting used to, the overall travel experience will remain unaffected. Authorities assure that updates across physical and digital platforms will be rolled out in a phased manner to avoid confusion. However, passengers should be aware of the changes to avoid misinterpretation while booking tickets or navigating the city.
There may be temporary inconvenience, especially for tourists or those unfamiliar with the city, but the long-term goal is to foster pride and awareness around the cultural and religious landmarks these names represent.
What’s the Public Reaction?
The response has been largely positive. Local residents feel a sense of pride seeing their neighbourhoods officially recognized. Most political parties have supported the move, and while some commuters foresee minor confusion initially, many agree the change is long overdue and welcome.
There are also proposals for future renaming, such as:
- Dadar → Chaityabhoomi
- Mumbai Central → Nana Shankarsheth
Even Mumbai’s airport may be up for a potential name change in the coming years.