Taking a significant step towards removing symbols associated with colonial legacy, the Indian Army has renamed 246 British-era names in cantonments and military institutions across the nation. According to defense officials, this decision aims to honor India's military heroes, gallantry awardees, and distinguished military leadership.
As part of this renaming initiative, 124 roads, 77 residential colonies, 27 buildings and military facilities, and 18 other properties—including parks, training zones, sports grounds, gates, and helipads—have been renamed. In Delhi Cantt, Kirby Place is now Kenuguruse Vihar, and Mall Road has been renamed Arun Khetarpal Marg. In Ambala Cantt, Patterson Road Quarters is now known as Dhan Singh Thapa Enclave.
Similarly, in Mathura Cantt, New Horn Line has been renamed Veer Abdul Hamid Lines, while in Jaipur Cantt, Queens Line Road is now Sundar Singh Marg. Bareilly Cantt’s New Birdwood Line is now called Thimayya Colony, and Mhow Cantt's Malcolm Lines has been renamed Piru Singh Lines. At the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, Collins Block has become Nubra Block, and Kingsway Block is now Kargil Block.
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The army previously renamed Kolkata's Eastern Command Headquarters, Fort William, to Vijay Durg. This saw George Gate become Shivaji Dwar, Kitchener House rebranded as Field Marshal Manekshaw Bhavan, Dalhousie Barracks to Netaji Barracks, and Russell Block to Freedom Fighter Bagha Jatin Block.
The Rangapahar Military Station's sports complex is now named Lashram Jyotin Singh Sports Complex, and Spear Lake Road at the Jakhama Military Station has been rechristened as Hangpan Dada Marg. This initiative was proposed in 2021 by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who suggested removing names associated with loyalty to the British Crown in favor of those of Indian soldiers and nation builders.
It's also clarified that names of British officers who positively contributed to local society will be retained with respect.
