Mangaluru: Historic T-55 battle tank installed at Kadri War Memorial

Mangaluru: Historic T-55 battle tank installed at Kadri War Memorial

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jul 16, 2026: A historic T-55 battle tank and a .303 rifle, both linked to India’s 1965 and 1971 wars, have found a permanent home in Mangaluru, nearly a year after being brought to the city. The installation at the Kadri War Memorial is expected to honour the nation’s military heritage while inspiring young people to join the armed forces.

The T-55 battle tank was installed on Wednesday on a specially constructed platform near the Kadri War Memorial, adjacent to the Circuit House, using a heavy-duty crane. The platform was built by the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC). Although the tank arrived in Mangaluru in August 2025, it remained covered with tarpaulin inside the Circuit House premises until the installation site was ready.

The battle tank was allotted to Mangaluru following the efforts of Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, who had requested Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to allocate the military asset to the city. The T-55 served in the Indian Army from 1961 to 2001 and was previously stationed at an Army depot in Pune. Weighing around 40 tonnes, it was transported to Mangaluru on a specially designed trailer.

The installation is expected to become a major attraction at the Kadri War Memorial, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to witness an important piece of India’s military history. Authorities also hope it will encourage patriotic values and motivate the younger generation to consider careers in the Indian Armed Forces.

Officials, however, stressed the importance of regular maintenance to preserve the tank. Given Mangaluru’s heavy monsoon rains, high humidity, coastal salt-laden winds and intense summer heat, periodic upkeep will be essential to protect the historic war machine from corrosion and weather-related damage.

The display of the T-55 battle tank serves as a tribute to the courage, sacrifice and service of India’s armed forces, ensuring that future generations can connect with the nation’s military legacy while paying homage to those who defended the country.