Army renames 246 roads, buildings, and facilities to shed colonial legacy

The Indian Army has renamed 246 roads, buildings, and facilities across establishments nationwide as part of an effort to shed colonial-era symbols and reinforce an identity rooted in India’s military heritage.

The Indian Army stated that the revised nomenclature gives pride of place to the nation’s gallantry awardees, battle heroes and distinguished military leaders, reflecting the core values of courage, sacrifice and leadership. Officials say the initiative is part of the Army’s continuing efforts to align its institutional spaces with India’s military traditions and national ethos.

The renaming exercise covers a wide range of infrastructure, including 124 roads, 77 residential colonies, 27 buildings and military facilities, and 18 other facilities such as parks, training areas, sports grounds, gates, and helipads.

This move complements broader national initiatives aimed at recognising bravery and supreme sacrifice, including sustained efforts to honour Param Vir Chakra awardees, ensuring that the legacy of India’s heroes remains embedded in everyday military life.

India’s military history

Across several cantonments and military stations, British-era names have been replaced with titles drawn from India’s military history. In Delhi Cantonment, Kirby Place has been renamed Kenuguruse Vihar, and Mall Road is now known as Arun Khetrapal Marg. Ambala Cantonment’s Patterson Road Quarters is now Dhan Singh Thapa Enclave, while New Horn Line in Mathura Cantonment has been renamed Abdul Hamid Lines. Similar changes include Queens Line Road in Jaipur Cantonment, which has been renamed Sundar Singh Marg, New Birdwood Line in Bareilly Cantonment is now called Thimayya Colony, and Malcolm Lines in Mhow Cantonment has been rechristened as Piru Singh Lines.

At the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, Colins Block has been renamed Nubra Block, and Kingsway Block is now Kargil Block. In Kolkata, Fort William has been renamed Vijay Durg. Other notable changes include the renaming of the Sports Complex at Rangapahar Military Station as the Laishram Jyotin Singh Sports Complex, and Spear Lake Marg at Zakhama Military Station as Hangpan Dada Marg.

Officials said the renamed sites commemorate distinguished service and exemplary leadership across different operations and campaigns. Through this initiative, the Indian Army continues to reinforce its commitment to India’s sovereignty, integrity and enduring values by embedding national military heritage into its living, training and working spaces.