Mumbai: The Central Railway has officially renamed Ahmednagar Railway Station as Ahilya Nagar, aligning with the Maharashtra government’s ongoing policy of changing names linked to Muslim history. Officials confirmed that the move honors Ahilyabai Holkar, a Hindu queen remembered as ‘Lok Mata’.
The decision follows the 2023 renaming of Ahmednagar district itself to Ahilya Nagar. In the same year, the state government also renamed Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and Osmanabad to Dharashiv. Railway officials clarified that the station code will remain ANG.
Historians and Muslim leaders expressed concern over the decision. “Ahmednagar was once a stronghold of Muslim rule and culture. Changing its name disregards that heritage,” said historian Arshad Qureshi. Activist Farida Ansari added, “The government responds to demands from Hindu groups, but when Muslims ask for protection of heritage, we are ignored. This is discriminatory.”
Political analyst Imtiaz Alam said the renaming is part of a larger effort to erase Muslim and colonial references from public spaces. Under the Eknath Shinde government, several suburban stations in Mumbai have also been renamed, including Curry Road to Lalbagh, Sandhurst Road to Dongri, and Charni Road to Girgaon. In May 2025, Osmanabad Railway Station was renamed Dharashiv.
Local residents voiced frustration, saying the changes undermine the community’s sense of belonging. “Each renaming sends a message that our contribution is invisible,” said Sajid Sheikh of Ahmednagar. Community leaders urged the government to focus on infrastructure instead of symbolic changes that deepen social divides.
