As New Bridge Rises, Mangaluru’s Sultan Battery Awaits Revival

Sultan Battery is an 18th-century watchtower in Mangaluru that has overlooked the Phalguni River for nearly 250 years.

A ₹64-crore bridge is being constructed beside the battery, promising to transform connectivity but raising concerns about preserving heritage.

The monument, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), suffers from poor visitor infrastructure including potholed parking and lack of amenities.

Conservationists criticized the ASI for using concrete plaster in repairs about 15 years ago, arguing it compromised the monument's original black stone appearance.

Most land around the battery is privately owned, and no plan exists to acquire it for comprehensive development of the historic site.