The Maharashtra Cabinet has taken a notable decision to rename eight Mumbai railway stations, which currently bear names dating back to the British colonial era. This decision is aimed at embracing Indian culture and history, reflecting a broader trend of decolonization efforts across the nation.

Under this significant decision, the following stations have been given new names: Cotton Green, now known as Kalachowki; Charni Road, renamed Girgaon; Dockyard Road, referred to as Mazgaon; King Circle, now called Tirthakar Parshivnath; Curry Road, renamed Lalbaug; Sandhurst Road, now Dongri; and Marine Lines, renamed Mumbadevi. This move reflects an effort to reclaim local identity and heritage within the city's transportation infrastructure.

Furthermore, the Maharashtra Cabinet has proposed renaming Mumbai Central Station to Nana Jagannath Shankarsheth Station, pending approval from the Railways Ministry. This initiative aims to highlight the rich heritage of Maharashtra and align the station's name with local historical figures.

In another development, the cabinet has given approval for the acquisition of 2.5 acres of land in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, to facilitate the construction of a Maharashtra Bhavan. The budget allocation for this construction was previously included in the state budget during the previous session of the Maharashtra Assembly.

Additionally, the cabinet has approved the renaming of Ahmednagar district to Ahilya Nagar, aiming to emphasise the significance of local identity. Moreover, the construction of a sea link between Uttan (Bhayander) and Virar (Palghar) has been given the go-ahead by the cabinet.

The decisions were made during a meeting attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, and other cabinet members.

Previously, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 10 high-speed Vande Bharat trains, with one operating between Ahmedabad and Mumbai Central. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde extended thanks to the Prime Minister for the 'One station, one product' initiative, aiming to generate employment opportunities for local residents.

Maharashtra has been allocated a total of 17 Vande Bharat trains, and the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to PM Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their assistance.

Image source: Economic Times