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Indian Army Renames 246 Sites, Erasing Colonial Names for National Heroes

The Indian Army has renamed 246 roads, buildings, and facilities across its establishments to shed colonial-era legacies. The move aims to forge an institutional identity based on India's own military history and traditions. New names now honor the nation's gallantry award recipients, war heroes, and distinguished military leaders. Examples include renaming Kirby Place to Kenuguruse Vihar and Mall Road to Arun Khetrapal Marg in Delhi Cantonment.

Key Points: Indian Army Renames 246 Colonial-Era Roads, Buildings

  • 246 facilities renamed nationwide
  • Honors gallantry awardees & war heroes
  • Replaces British-era names
  • Part of broader national commemoration
2 min read

Indian Army drops colonial-era names, renames 246 roads, buildings and facilities nationwide

The Indian Army has renamed 246 roads, buildings, and facilities, replacing British-era names with those of Indian war heroes and gallantry award winners.

"strengthening an institutional identity rooted in India's own history, ethos, and military traditions - Indian Army"

New Delhi, February 5

The Indian Army has undertaken a major initiative to discontinue colonial-era legacies by renaming 246 roads, buildings, and facilities across its establishments. This move is aimed at strengthening an institutional identity rooted in India's own history, ethos, and military traditions, while honouring the nation's gallantry awardees, war heroes, and distinguished military leaders.

According to Indian Army officials, the remaining exercise covers 124 Roads, 77 Colonies, 27 Buildings and Other Military Facilities, and 18 miscellaneous facilities, including parks, training areas, sports grounds, gates, helipads, etc.

As per officials, the initiative also reflects an enduring national commitment to commemorate valour and sacrifice. Recent national efforts to honour the legacy of the Nation's bravest include dedicated commemorations of Param Vir Chakra awardees, reinforcing the centrality of India's heroes in public and institutional memory.

In various Cantonments and military stations, the renaming of roads, facilities and colonies is being undertaken to honour Indian soldiers and commanders, including Gallantry Award recipients and eminent military personalities, said officials. As part of this process, several British-era road and locality names are being replaced with names that reflect Indian valour, sacrifice and leadership.

In Delhi Cantonment, Kirby Place (Officers Accomodation) has been renamed Kenuguruse Vihar, while Mall Road has been renamed Arun Khetrapal Marg. In Ambala Cantonment, Patterson Road Quarters is now known as Dhan Singh Thapa Enclave, and in Mathura Cantonment, New Horn Line has been renamed Abdul Hamid Lines.

Similar changes gave been implemented elsewhere with Queens Line Road in Jaipur Cantonment becoming Sundar Singh Marg, New Birdwood Line in Bareilly Cantonment being renamed to Thimayya Colony and Malcolm Lines in Mhow Cantonment renamed to Piru Singh Lines. At the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, Colins Block and Kingsway Block has been renamed to Nubra Block and Kargil Block, respectively.

In Kolkata, while Fort William has been renamed Vijay Durg, the Sports complex in Rangapahar Military Station has been renamed to Laishram Jyotin Singh Sports Complex. At the Zakhama Military Station, the Spear Lake Marg has been renamed Hangpan Dada Marg.

These names commemorate exemplary courage and service across multiple campaigns, alongside recognition of eminent military leadership, said the Indian Army.

Through this initiative, the Indian Army reiterates its commitment to preserving the Nation's sovereignty and integrity and to ensuring that the spaces where soldiers and their families live, train and serve visibly reflect India's own heroes, legacy and values.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who grew up near an army cantonment, this is a powerful symbolic move. It helps the next generation connect with real Indian heroes from our history books. Well done!
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while I support honouring our heroes, I hope the focus remains on modernizing equipment and soldier welfare. Symbolism is good, but substance is crucial for our jawans on the borders.
P
Priya S
Fantastic! Naming places after PVC awardees like Piru Singh and Laishram Jyotin Singh ensures their supreme sacrifice is never forgotten. Every time a soldier walks down that road, they will be inspired.
R
Rohit P
Great move! But 246 is just a start. There are so many more colonial names in our public spaces that need to go. Let's make this a nationwide mission for all government buildings and roads.
M
Meera T
Seeing Kargil Block at IMA Dehradun gave me goosebumps. Perfect way to instil the spirit of that historic victory in every future officer. Salute to the Indian Army for this thoughtful initiative.

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