To Shed Colonial Legacy, Indian Army Renames 246 Roads, Colonies To Honour War Heroes

Last Updated:February 05, 2026, 20:22 IST

The initiative aims to strengthen an institutional identity rooted in India’s history and ethos while fostering pride in national heritage and service values.

Indian Army renames 246 colonial-era roads and facilities nationwide. (File/ANI)

The Indian Army has renamed 246 roads, buildings, colonies, and other facilities across its establishments, replacing colonial-era names with ones that celebrate India’s gallantry awardees, war heroes, and distinguished military leaders.

According to officials, the renaming includes 124 roads, 77 colonies, 27 buildings and other military facilities, and 18 miscellaneous facilities such as parks, training areas, sports grounds, gates, and helipads.

The initiative aims to strengthen an institutional identity rooted in India’s history and ethos while fostering pride in national heritage and service values.

Army officials said the move reflects a continuing commitment to commemorate valour and sacrifice, building on recent national efforts to honour Param Vir Chakra awardees and reinforcing the legacy of India’s bravest in public and institutional memory.

The Army initiated the review in 2022 following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call in March 2021, during the Combined Commanders’ Conference at Kevadia, Gujarat, urging the three services to eliminate outdated colonial-era practices that were no longer relevant.

The Prime Minister’s remarks at the top-level conference signaled the beginning of the phasing out of several remaining colonial practices in the armed forces. He emphasized the need to boost indigenisation in the national security system, extending beyond equipment and weapons to include doctrines, procedures, and customs.

News india To Shed Colonial Legacy, Indian Army Renames 246 Roads, Colonies To Honour War Heroes

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