New Delhi: The Army has undertaken a major exercise to shed colonial-era legacy by renaming 246 roads, buildings and other facilities across cantonments, garrisons and camps across the country, as reported by ANI.
While renaming has already taken place in some places, the process is underway elsewhere. While this will strengthen institutional identity rooted in India’s own history, ethos, and military traditions, it will also help honour the nation’s gallantry awardees, war heroes, and distinguished military leaders.
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, and helipads, officials have said.
This initiative reflects an enduring national commitment to commemorate valour and sacrifice. Recent national efforts to honour the legacy of the country’s bra
vest include dedicated commemorations of Param Vir Chakra awardees, reinforcing the centrality of India’s heroes in public and institutional memory.
Several British-era road and locality names are being replaced with names that reflect Indian valour, sacrifice and leadership, officials said. Kirby Place (Officers Accomodation) in Delhi Cantonment has been renamed Kenuguruse Vihar, while Mall Road has been renamed Arun Khetrapal Marg. Patterson Road Quarters at Ambala Cantonment, is now known as Dhan Singh Thapa Enclave, and at Mathura Cantonment, New Horn Line has been renamed Abdul Hamid Lines.
Queens Line Road in Jaipur Cantonment has become Sundar Singh Marg, while New Birdwood Line in Bareilly Cantonment is now Thimayya Colony. Pieu Singh Lines is the new name for Malcolm Lines at Mhow Cantonment.
Changes have also taken place at Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. Colins Block and Kingsway Block has been renamed Nubra Block and Kargil Block, respectively. In Kolkata, Fort William has been renamed Vijay Durg, while 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.
The effort aims to honour the country’s military heroes since Independence.