Secunderabad Cantonment Board to Replace Colonial Road Names With National Icons
The Secunderabad Cantonment Board has approved the renaming of 21 roads and three bazaars to replace colonial-era titles with names of Indian national and military heroes. This initiative, expected to finish within a month, also includes plans for significant local sewerage and drainage infrastructure upgrades.
Highlights
- •The Secunderabad Cantonment Board is renaming 21 roads and three bazaar areas to shed colonial-era names.
- •New names will honor Indian military heroes, national leaders, and significant cultural figures.
- •The transition, overseen by CEO Arvind Kumar Dwivedi, is expected to be completed within one month.
- •The board also addressed critical infrastructure projects, including major sewerage upgrades and nala development.
The Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) has initiated a significant project to remove colonial-era influences from local infrastructure by renaming numerous roads and bazaar areas. This initiative, which aligns with broader directives from the Ministry of Defence to replace outdated colonial nomenclature across various cantonment zones in India, aims to honor national icons, military heroes, and cultural figures instead.
The decision to rename 21 roads and three bazaar zones was formally approved during a recent board meeting held by the Secunderabad Cantonment Board. Officials have stated that the comprehensive process, which involves dismantling existing signboards and installing new signage featuring updated names, is expected to conclude within a span of one month.
Honoring National Heroes and Cultural Icons
The new names designated for the area reflect a deep respect for those who have served the nation. For example, Potnee Road will be rechristened as Tarapore Marg, honoring Param Vir Chakra awardee Lt Col A.B. Tarapore. Similarly, Richardson Road is set to become Unnikrishnan Marg in recognition of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, and Noble Road will be renamed A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Marg.
Other notable changes include renaming Lytton Road to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Road and Bolton Road to Atal Bihari Vajpayee Marg. The board has also ensured that various roads commemorate other distinguished military personnel, such as Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid, Major Somnath Sharma, Lt Arun Khetarpal, Naik Jadunath Singh, Lt Col Dhan Singh Thapa, and Capt. Guru Bachan Singh Salaria. Additionally, Burton Road will now be known as Santosh Babu Marg, serving as a tribute to Colonel B. Santosh Babu, who lost his life during the 2020 Galwan Valley conflict.
Furthermore, local bazaar areas are undergoing similar transitions to shed colonial identity. Hare Road will be renamed Tarbund Temple Road, 108 Bazaar is becoming Infantry Bazar, and RA Pensioners Lines will be officially referred to as Artillery Pensioners Line.
Beyond the renaming initiative, the Secunderabad Cantonment Board is focusing on essential civic improvements. The board reviewed budget estimates for the 2026-27 fiscal year and evaluated revised estimates for 2025-26. They also discussed plans for a major underground sewerage upgrade and comprehensive nala development works, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the infrastructure and living conditions within the cantonment area for all residents.
