New Delhi, February 6, 2026 – In a significant move to discontinue remnants of British colonial influence and reinforce India’s military heritage, the Indian Army has completed the renaming of 246 roads, buildings, residential colonies, and other facilities across its establishments nationwide. This initiative aligns with broader national efforts to indigenize military traditions, doctrines, and customs, ensuring that institutional spaces reflect values of courage, sacrifice, and leadership drawn from India’s own history.
The scope of the renaming exercise encompasses 124 roads, 77 residential colonies, 27 buildings and other military facilities, and 18 miscellaneous sites, including parks, training areas, sports grounds, gates, and helipads. According to defense officials, the revised nomenclature honors gallantry awardees, battle heroes, and distinguished military leaders from various campaigns and operations, thereby embedding national ethos into the daily environments where soldiers and their families live, train, and serve.
The decision stems from a comprehensive review initiated in 2022, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the Combined Commanders’ Conference in Kevadia, Gujarat, in March 2021. During the conference, the Prime Minister urged the armed forces to eliminate outdated colonial-era practices and promote indigenization across procedures, customs, and symbols. This renaming forms part of a larger framework, including Modi’s “panch pran” (five pledges) outlined in 2022 for India’s centenary of independence in 2047, which emphasize uprooting colonial mindsets and habits. It complements other decolonization measures, such as the 2022 unveiling of a new naval ensign for INS Vikrant, inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s seal and omitting the Cross of St. George.
Specific renamings have been implemented in key cantonments and military stations, replacing British-era designations with names commemorating Indian valor. Notable examples include:
- In Delhi Cantonment: Kirby Place (Officers’ Accommodation) has been renamed Kenuguruse Vihar, honoring Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse, a Maha Vir Chakra recipient who sacrificed his life during the 1999 Kargil War; Mall Road is now Arun Khetarpal Marg, after Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his actions in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War.
- In Ambala Cantonment: Patterson Road Quarters is now Dhan Singh Thapa Enclave, named for Major Dhan Singh Thapa, a Param Vir Chakra awardee from the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
- In Mathura Cantonment: New Horn Line has been redesignated as Abdul Hamid Lines, in tribute to Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid, who received the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his gallantry in the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War.
- In Jaipur Cantonment: Queens Line Road is now Sundar Singh Marg, honoring Naik Sundar Singh.
- In Bareilly Cantonment: New Birdwood Line has become Thimayya Colony, named after General Kodandera Subayya Thimayya, a former Chief of Army Staff renowned for his leadership.
- In Mhow Cantonment: Malcolm Lines is now Piru Singh Lines, commemorating Company Havildar Major Piru Singh, a posthumous Param Vir Chakra recipient from the 1947-48 Jammu and Kashmir operations.
- At the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun: Collins Block has been renamed Nubra Block, and Kingsway Block is now Kargil Block, referencing key battle sites from India’s military history.
- In Kolkata: Fort William has been renamed Vijay Durg.
- At Rangapahar Military Station: The sports complex is now the Laishram Jyotin Singh Sports Complex, after Major Laishram Jyotin Singh, awarded the Ashok Chakra posthumously for counter-terrorism actions.
- At Zakhama Military Station: Spear Lake Marg has been renamed Hangpan Dada Marg, honoring Ashok Chakra awardee Havildar Hangpan Dada.
Army officials have emphasized that these changes not only discard colonial symbols but also serve to inspire current and future generations by integrating the legacies of national heroes into military routines. One official stated, “The revised nomenclature recognizes the contributions of India’s gallantry awardees, battle heroes, and distinguished military leaders, ensuring that our spaces align with the nation’s commitment to sovereignty, integrity, and values.”
This nationwide effort marks a pivotal step in the Indian Army’s ongoing transformation, fostering a sense of pride in indigenous military traditions while honoring those who have defended the nation. Further reviews may extend to additional sites as part of the indigenization process.
