Indian Army Overhauls Colonial-Era Nomenclature to Celebrate National Heroes and Bolster Indigenous Identity

New Delhi, February 6, 2026 – The Indian Army has completed a significant initiative to eliminate remnants of British colonial influence by renaming 246 roads, buildings, residential colonies, and other facilities across the country. This move is part of a broader national strategy to align military traditions and practices with India's own historical and cultural ethos, reflecting values of courage and leadership inherent in its history.

The renaming effort covers 124 roads, 77 residential areas, 27 buildings, and 18 other sites, including parks, training grounds, sports facilities, gates, and helipads. Defense officials stated that the new names honor gallantry awardees and distinguished military leaders, thereby embedding the ethos of national pride within the daily environments of soldiers and their families.

The initiative followed a comprehensive review launched in 2022, subsequent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at the Combined Commanders’ Conference in Kevadia, Gujarat, in March 2021. During this event, the Prime Minister advocated for the removal of outdated colonial-era practices and the promotion of indigenization in military procedures, customs, and symbols. This renaming is a component of Modi's "panch pran" (five pledges) strategy outlined for India's centenary of independence in 2047, which includes efforts to eradicate colonial mindsets. This also aligns with other decolonization measures, such as the 2022 introduction of a new naval ensign for INS Vikrant based on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's seal.

New names have been implemented in significant cantonments and military stations, replacing British-era titles with those commemorating Indian bravery. Notable changes include:

• In Delhi Cantonment: Kirby Place (Officers' Accommodation) is now Kenuguruse Vihar, named after Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse, a Maha Vir Chakra recipient from the 1999 Kargil War; Mall Road has been renamed Arun Khetarpal Marg, in honor of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a Param Vir Chakra awardee from 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 recipient from the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
• In Mathura Cantonment: New Horn Line has been renamed Abdul Hamid Lines, in tribute to Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid, a Param Vir Chakra recipient from 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 is now Thimayya Colony, honoring General Kodandera Subayya Thimayya, a former Chief of Army Staff.
• In Mhow Cantonment: Malcolm Lines has been renamed Piru Singh Lines, in memory of Company Havildar Major Piru Singh, a Param Vir Chakra awardee from the 1947-48 Jammu and Kashmir operations.
• At the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun: Collins Block and Kingsway Block have been renamed Nubra Block and Kargil Block respectively, referencing key battle sites in India's military history.
• In Kolkata: Fort William has been renamed to Vijay Durg.
• At Rangapahar Military Station: The sports complex is now named Laishram Jyotin Singh Sports Complex, after Major Laishram Jyotin Singh, an Ashok Chakra recipient for counter-terrorism actions.
• At Zakhama Military Station: Spear Lake Marg is now Hangpan Dada Marg, named in honor of Ashok Chakra recipient Havildar Hangpan Dada.

Army officials assert that these renamings aim not only to discard colonial symbols but also to inspire current and future generations by incorporating the legacies of national heroes into military routines. "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," an official commented.

This nationwide effort marks a pivotal step in the Indian Army's ongoing transformation, fostering pride in indigenous military traditions while honoring those who have defended the nation. Further reviews may lead to additional renamings as part of the indigenization process.