A historic T-55 war tank, which saw action during the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars, has arrived in Mangaluru and will soon be on permanent public display. The tank was transported from the Kirkee depot in Pune on a special trailer and reached the city late Monday night.
The initiative, led by Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), is aimed at paying tribute to the courage of Indian soldiers and motivating young citizens to consider a career in the armed forces. MCC will also oversee the tank’s maintenance as part of its civic responsibility.
Decommissioned war equipment is often displayed across India as symbolic ‘war trophies’ that honour military heritage. Following this tradition, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta had formally requested the Ministry of Defence to sanction a tank for the city. The request was approved, and the tank was granted free of cost to the MCC three months ago.
Currently stationed near the Circuit House, the tank will soon be relocated to a specially constructed platform near the Kadri War Memorial for permanent installation. Capt Chowta confirmed that construction work for the display platform will begin shortly.
The T-55, which weighs around 40 tonnes, began its journey from Pune last Friday and completed its three-day road journey to Mangaluru on Monday.
The installation of the tank adds a meaningful historical landmark to the city, linking Mangaluru’s modern landscape with India’s military legacy.