Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 16: A historic T-55 battle tank and a .303 rifle, both associated with India's 1965 and 1971 wars, have finally been installed at a permanent location in Mangaluru, nearly a year after they were brought to the city. The display aims to inspire the youth of the coastal city to join the armed forces.
The T-55 battle tank was installed on Wednesday using a heavy-duty crane on a specially constructed platform built by the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) near the Kadri War Memorial, adjacent to the Circuit House. Although the tank had been brought to Mangaluru nearly a year ago, it remained covered with tarpaulin inside the Circuit House premises until suitable arrangements were made for its installation.
The battle tank was brought to Mangaluru following the efforts of MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, who had requested defence minister Rajnath Singh to allot it to the city. The T-55 served in the Indian Army from 1961 to 2001 and was previously housed at an Indian Army depot in Pune. Weighing around 40 tonnes, the tank was transported to Mangaluru on a special trailer in August 2025.
The installation is expected to add to Mangaluru's tourism appeal while serving as a symbol of the nation's military history and sacrifice. However, regular maintenance will be essential to protect the war tank from corrosion, as the city experiences heavy rainfall for several months each year, intense summer heat, and salty sea breeze due to its proximity to the coast.
For most people, war evokes emotions of sacrifice, courage, patriotism, and duty. Having an actual piece of military history on public display offers citizens a rare opportunity to pay tribute to the nation's armed forces. It is hoped that the installation of the T-55 battle tank will not only receive the respect it deserves but also inspire young minds to pursue a career in the Indian Armed Forces.