VIDEO: Family Members, Activists Renew Push To Rename Mumbai Central Station After Social Reformer Nana Jagannath Shankarsheth

Mumbai: Hundreds of family members, supporters, and activists gathered outside Mumbai Central Station on Wednesday to renew their decades-old demand to rename the station after 19th-century social reformer Nana Jagannath Shankarsheth.

The protest, led by the Nana Shankar Sheth Namkaran Sangharsh Samiti, saw demonstrators holding placards, chanting slogans, and urging authorities to expedite the renaming process.

The proposed new name for the station is Nana Shankar Sheth Mumbai Terminus—a tribute, protestors say, long overdue for the pioneering philanthropist and educationist whose contributions shaped modern Mumbai.

Uday Shankar, great-grandson of Nana Shankarsheth, reminded the public of a political promise made decades ago. "We had applied for the renaming of Victoria Terminus to Nana Jagannath Shankarsheth Terminus in 1982. However, the station was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and later amended as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus," he said. "At that time, we were promised that Mumbai Central would be renamed in honour of Nana Shankarsheth. That promise remains unfulfilled to this day."

According to Uday Shankar, multiple efforts have been made by various state governments over the past 30 years to push the renaming. "During Uddhav Thackeray’s tenure, the Maharashtra Assembly passed a resolution and sent it to the Centre. Similarly, under Devendra Fadnavis, another resolution was passed and forwarded to the home ministry. " he added. "However, the proposal seems to be indefinitely stuck at the Home Ministry level with no explanation provided."

Protestors argue that Shankarsheth's legacy deserves recognition at a national level. Known for his key role in establishing Mumbai’s first schools, promoting education for women, and supporting the city’s first railway line, Shankarsheth remains a towering figure in the city’s history.

The Sangharsh Samiti has vowed to continue their agitation until the Central Government clears the proposal and Mumbai Central Station is officially renamed to reflect Shankarsheth’s enduring impact.

While Kurla Terminus has already been renamed in honor of Lokmanya Tilak, Nana’s supporters argue that Mumbai Central would be a more appropriate tribute, given its proximity to his former residence and his enduring legacy in the heart of the city.

According to sources, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved the renaming of Mumbai Central to Nana Jagannath Shankarsheth station on March 12, 2020. Subsequently, the Railway Ministry granted a no-objection certificate in 2021. In 2024 Shinde government confirmed that the state government has given its approval for the renaming, along with seven other stations. However, the proposal is still pending final clearance from the Union Home Department

Who Was Nana Shankarseth?

Jagannath "Nana" Shankarsheth was a pioneering Indian philanthropist and visionary who played a key role in the founding of India’s first railway company, alongside Sir Jamshetjee Jeejeebhoy. He was one of the two Indian founders and directors of India's first railway company, alongside Sir Jamshetjee Jeejeebhoy

As a distinguished guest on India’s inaugural train journey, Nana’s contribution to the nation's early infrastructure is immortalized by a permanent stone bust featured in the original design of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) building. Every July, his descendants visit the site to honor his legacy on his death anniversary.

Born on February 10, 1803, into the affluent Murkute family of the Daivadnya community, Nana Shankarsheth was instrumental in shaping the cultural and civic landscape of Mumbai. He was a driving force behind the establishment of iconic institutions such as the JJ School of Art, the city museum, and Victoria Gardens.

With foresight into the growing need for urban transport, he founded a steam navigation company and championed the development of the railway system. In a remarkable gesture, he even offered part of his Girgaum bungalow to serve as the ticket booking office for the Great Indian Peninsula Railway—now known as Central Railway.

Process of Renaming a Railway Station

Renaming a railway station is primarily a state-level decision. The process begins when a state government submits a proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which acts as the nodal ministry for such changes. The MHA then reviews the proposal, keeping the Ministry of Railways informed throughout.

Before approval, the MHA ensures that the proposed new name doesn't already exist elsewhere in the country. This involves obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from multiple agencies — including the Ministry of Railways, the Department of Posts, and the Survey of India.

Once the MHA grants approval and the state government officially notifies the name change, Indian Railways steps in to implement it. This includes assigning a new station code if necessary, updating the name in all ticketing, reservation, and train information systems, and physically replacing nameboards on station buildings, platforms, and in communication materials.

Traditionally, station names were displayed in Hindi and English. However, current guidelines also require the inclusion of the local language. For the correct spellings and language representation, Indian Railways must seek approval from the state government for the station name in all three languages before updating the signage.

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