In a significant development, Mumbai’s suburban railway stations are poised for a transformative renaming initiative, marking a departure from colonial-era nomenclature. The proposal, spearheaded by Member of Parliament Rahul Shewale and backed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, underscores a strategic shift towards culturally resonant nomenclature for these iconic locations.
The intricate administrative process involved in renaming railway stations in India, particularly within the vibrant city of Mumbai, is underway. While the Indian Railways own the stations, the prerogative to rename them lies with the State Government, necessitating meticulous proposals to be submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Final decisions rest with the MHA, with the Ministry of Railways kept abreast of developments. A senior railway official underscores the imperative of securing a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from various government departments. Once approval is obtained, Indian Railways embark on a series of procedural steps to implement the name change. This includes updating the ticketing system, altering physical signage at the station, and revising communication materials. The initiative extends beyond linguistic adjustments, symbolising a deeper connection with cultural heritage and reflecting a broader trend of reevaluating place names with colonial connotations. Notable instances include the renaming of Victoria Terminus to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Elphinstone Road to Prabhadevi.
The proposed renaming encompasses seven suburban railway stations, including Curry Road to Lalbaug, Sandhurst Road to Dongri, Marine Lines to Mumbadevi, Charni Road to Girgaon, Cotton Green to Kalachowki, Dockyard to Mazgaon, and King’s Circle to Tirthankar Parshvanath. Additionally, the State Government seeks to rename Mumbai Central Railway Station to Nana Jagnnath Shankarsheth Railway Station, awaiting Central Government approval. This initiative reflects a concerted effort to embrace culturally resonant nomenclature for public spaces, aligning with broader aspirations of cultural identity and historical relevance in urban landscapes.
