Hello everyone! In 2025, Indian Railways renamed several stations across India, with two notable changes standing out due to their historical and cultural significance. These renamings align with state government initiatives to reflect local heritage, often replacing colonial-era or older names. The process involves state approval, Ministry of Home Affairs NOC, and Railway Board implementation—no major disruptions occurred, but passengers should update for ticketing and navigation.
As of late December 2025, no new renamings were announced specifically in December, but the year’s key changes include these two prominent ones.
The Two Major Stations Renamed in 2025
- Ahmednagar Railway Station → Ahilyanagar Railway Station (Maharashtra)
- When: Officially implemented in September 2025.
- Reason: To honor Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, the 18th-century Maratha queen known for her contributions to the region. The city of Ahmednagar was also renamed Ahilyanagar.
- Station Code: Changed to ANG (or updated accordingly).
- Impact: This is a busy station on the Daund-Manmad line, serving Pune-Solapur routes.
- Aurangabad Railway Station → Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station (Maharashtra)
- When: Officially renamed in October 2025.
- Reason: Aligning with the city’s rename to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, honoring Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (son of Shivaji). The station is a key hub near UNESCO sites like Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
- New Station Code: CPSN.
- Impact: Falls under South Central Railway’s Nanded Division—important for tourists and local commuters.
Other notable renamings in 2025 included Osmanabad/Usmanabad to Dharashiv (May 2025), but the above two are considered “major” due to their size, traffic, and cultural prominence.
What Passengers Should Know
- Ticket Booking: Use the new names on IRCTC app/website for bookings after the change date. Old names may redirect temporarily, but update to avoid confusion.
- Station Boards & Announcements: Signage, displays, and voice announcements have been updated. Station codes may change (check on enquiry.indianrail.gov.in).
- No Major Disruptions: Name changes don’t affect train schedules, routes, or platforms. PRS systems were briefly paused during updates (e.g., a few hours for code changes).
- How to Check:
- Why These Changes?: State governments propose renamings for cultural/historical reasons; Railways implement after approvals. Over 100 stations renamed since independence.
These updates aim to preserve local identity while modernizing services. If traveling through Maharashtra, note the new names! Safe journeys!