The Indian Army has renamed 246 roads, buildings and other infrastructure previously bearing British-era names as part of an ongoing effort to remove colonial symbols and reinforce India’s historical and cultural identity. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to move away from colonial legacies in public institutions.
According to defence officials, the renaming exercise covers 124 roads, 77 residential colonies, 27 buildings and military facilities, and 18 additional structures such as parks, playgrounds, gates, helipads and training areas located across cantonments and military establishments nationwide. All new names commemorate gallantry award recipients, war heroes, freedom fighters and distinguished military leaders linked to India’s history.
The government has been pursuing broader reforms to phase out remnants of colonial influence, including outdated laws and administrative conventions. Within this framework, the Army accelerated the renaming of infrastructure historically associated with British rule.
Several prominent changes have been implemented in Delhi Cantonment. Kirby Place has been renamed Kenuguruse Vihar, while Mall Road now carries the name Arun Khetarpal Marg, honouring the Param Vir Chakra awardee. In Ambala Cantonment, Patterson Road Quarters has been renamed Dhan Singh Thapa Enclave in tribute to another decorated war hero.
Other cantonments have also seen similar changes. In Mathura Cantonment, New Horn Line is now Veer Abdul Hamid Lines. Queens Line Road in Jaipur Cantonment has been renamed Sundar Singh Marg. Bareilly Cantonment’s New Birdwood Line has become Thimayya Colony, while Malcolm Lines in Mhow Cantonment has been renamed Piru Singh Lines.
Renaming has extended to military institutions as well. At the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, Collins Block has been renamed Nubra Block and Kingsway Block has been renamed Kargil Block, referencing significant military achievements. The sports complex at Rangapahar Military Station now bears the name Lashram Jyotin Singh Sports Complex, while Spear Lake Road at Jakhama Military Station has been renamed Hangpan Dada Marg.
The proposal to rename colonial-era infrastructure was first raised by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in 2021 during the Defence Estates Directorate General’s 96th Foundation Day. He noted that many cantonment roads and buildings were named after personnel who served the British Crown and suggested replacing them with names honouring Indian soldiers and nation-builders. He also emphasised preserving historical sensitivity by documenting contributions of British officers who may have served local communities.
One of the most significant symbolic changes has taken place in Kolkata. Fort William, headquarters of the Army’s Eastern Command, has been renamed Vijay Durg after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. George Gate has been renamed Shivaji Dwar, Kitchener House is now Field Marshal Manekshaw Bhavan, Dalhousie Barracks has become Netaji Barracks, and Russell Block has been renamed after freedom fighter Bagha Jatin.
Officials indicate the renaming exercise reflects an institutional effort to align military infrastructure with national historical memory while recognising India’s military and freedom struggle legacy.
