The Indian Army has renamed 246 roads, residential colonies, buildings and other facilities across cantonments and military stations, replacing colonial-era names with those of Indian military heroes. The change is part of a broader effort to strengthen national pride, shed colonial remnants, and connect everyday army life with India’s own history of courage and sacrifice.
The renaming exercise covers 124 roads, 77 residential colonies, 27 buildings and facilities, and 18 other structures, including parks, sports areas, gates, and training grounds. In Delhi Cantonment, for instance, Mall Road is now Arun Khetarpal Marg, after the Param Vir Chakra recipient of the 1971 Indo-Pak War, while Kirby Place has become Kenuguruse Vihar, honoring Kargil hero Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse.
In Ambala Cantonment, Patterson Road Quarters has been renamed Dhan Singh Thapa Enclave, commemorating the 1962 Sino-Indian War hero, while in Mathura Cantonment, New Horn Line is now Abdul Hamid Lines, after the 1965 Indo-Pak War hero.
Bareilly Cantonment’s New Birdwood Line is now Thimayya Colony, honoring former Army Chief General K.S. Thimayya. At the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, blocks previously named after British officers have been rechristened Nubra Block and Kargil Block, reflecting historic military campaigns.
Other changes include the Rangapahar Military Station sports complex, now Laishram Jyotin Singh Sports Complex, and Spear Lake Marg at Zakhama Military Station, renamed Hangpan Dada Marg, both commemorating Ashok Chakra awardees.
Even iconic establishments like Fort William in Kolkata, the Eastern Command headquarters, have been renamed Vijay Durg.
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to shed colonial customs and embrace India’s own traditions and heroes, further indigenising the armed forces as the nation approaches its centenary of independence.
Army officials say these changes will serve as a daily reminder of India’s bravery and sacrifices, inspiring personnel and their families.
