'Why The Delay?: Nana Shankar Sheth's Followers Ask Maha Govt Awaiting Renaming Of Mumbai Central Station After Him; Watch

Mumbai: Family members of 19th-century social reformer Nana Jagannath Shankarsheth, along with members of the Nana Shankarsheth Namkaran Sangharsh Samiti, gathered outside Mumbai Central Station on Wednesday to demand that the station be renamed in his honour. Holding placards and chanting slogans, protestors urged authorities to expedite the renaming process and officially change the name of the station as “Nana Shankar Sheth Mumbai Terminus.”

The demonstration followed an appeal issued earlier this week by the Sangharsh Samiti, calling upon admirers of Shankarsheth to assemble at Mumbai Central on April 16 at 10 am. The committee hopes that growing public support will help push the proposal forward at the national level.

While the Maharashtra Cabinet has already given its nod to the renaming, the decision is currently awaiting final approval from the Union Government. “We are confident that with united public backing, we can secure the necessary clearances and ensure that Nana Shankarsheth receives the recognition he deserves,” said one of the committee members.

Several Stations In Mumbai To Be Renamed

The proposed renaming is part of a larger initiative by the Maharashtra government to replace colonial-era station names with ones that reflect the cultural and historical identity of the city. Other recommended changes include Currey Road to Lalbaug, Sandhurst Road to Dongri, Marine Lines to Mumbadevi, Charni Road to Girgaon, Cotton Green to Kala Chowki, Dockyard Road to Mazgaon and King’s Circle to Tirthankar Parswanath.

Who Is Nana Shankarsheth?

The campaign to rename Mumbai Central holds particular significance due to the legacy of Nana Jagannath Shankarsheth (1803–1865), a renowned philanthropist, educationist, and visionary often referred to as the “architect of Mumbai.” Shankarsheth was instrumental in establishing schools, hospitals, and civic bodies, and played a pioneering role in the city’s urban planning and the introduction of railway services.

“Renaming Mumbai Central is more than a symbolic act, it’s a tribute to the man who laid the foundation for modern Mumbai. His contributions shaped the very identity of this metropolis,” said a member. The committee has vowed to continue peaceful demonstrations and awareness campaigns until the renaming is formally approved and implemented.