Introduction
Indian Railways continues its tradition of updating station names to reflect cultural, historical, and regional significance, with two notable changes in 2025 that affect key locations in Maharashtra. Passengers traveling through these routes should note the renaming of Osmanabad (also known as Usmanabad) to Dharashiv and Ahmednagar to Ahilyanagar, both approved by the central government following state proposals. These Indian Railways station renaming 2025 updates honor local heritage—Dharashiv aligns with the district’s new name, while Ahilyanagar pays tribute to the revered 18th-century queen Ahilyabai Holkar. While station codes and train schedules remain unchanged, new signage, announcements, and digital systems are being rolled out gradually. This guide explains the details, reasons, and practical tips for travelers to avoid confusion during the transition.
Details of the Two Renamed Major Stations in 2025
The Indian Railways station renaming 2025 focuses on aligning names with recent administrative and historical recognitions. Here’s what you need to know about each:
- Osmanabad/Usmanabad to Dharashiv Effective from June 2025, this Central Railway station (code: DRSV, previously UMD) serves the district headquarters. The change follows the Maharashtra government’s decision to rename the district Dharashiv, emphasizing ancient regional identity. It’s a busy junction for trains connecting to Mumbai, Pune, and southern routes.
- Ahmednagar to Ahilyanagar Implemented in September 2025, this Pune Division station (code remains ANG) honors Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, the iconic Maratha queen known for her administrative reforms and temple restorations. Ahilyanagar is a vital link for travelers heading to Shirdi, Aurangabad, or Pune, with frequent expresses and locals.
These renamings join over 100 similar updates since independence, often driven by state requests to preserve cultural pride.
What Passengers Should Know About the Changes
Navigating the Indian Railways station renaming 2025 is straightforward, but awareness helps ensure smooth journeys:
- Ticket Booking: Use either old or new names on IRCTC or apps during transition—systems accept both, but new names are preferred for future searches.
- Station Codes Unchanged: Critical for bookings; Dharashiv is DRSV, Ahilyanagar is ANG—no disruptions to PNR or reservations.
- Signage and Announcements: Platforms now feature bilingual boards (English, Hindi, Marathi); onboard announcements are updating progressively.
- No Impact on Schedules: Train timings, routes, and halts remain identical—only the displayed name changes.
- Digital Updates: Apps like ConfirmTkt, RailYatri, and NTES reflect new names; clear cache if old ones persist.
These steps minimize inconvenience while celebrating local history.
Conclusion
The 2025 renaming of two major stations—Dharashiv and Ahilyanagar—by Indian Railways marks another step in evolving the network to mirror India’s rich heritage and modern administrative realities. For passengers, the transition is seamless with unchanged codes, schedules, and operations, ensuring reliable travel. As updates roll out fully, embracing the new names enhances cultural connection during your journeys. Check official IRCTC or zonal railway sites for the latest, and enjoy hassle-free rides on one of the world’s largest rail systems.
FAQs:
Which two major stations were renamed by Indian Railways in 2025?
Osmanabad became Dharashiv in June, and Ahmednagar became Ahilyanagar in September 2025.
Have station codes changed with the renaming?
No, Dharashiv keeps DRSV (previously UMD), and Ahilyanagar retains ANG—no booking issues.
Why were these stations renamed in 2025?
To honor historical figures like Ahilyabai Holkar and align with district name changes.
Will train schedules be affected by the name changes?
No, timings, routes, and halts remain unchanged—only names and signage update.