Kolkata’s iconic tram service is as famous as the city’s puchkas and rasgullas. On February 24, the city celebrated 153 years of this historic transport system, honouring a transport network that once formed the backbone of the city. To mark the occasion, a vintage tram rolled through the city and it was a sight to behold!
Kolkata’s Iconic Tramways Complete 153 Years
A World War II-era heritage wooden tram ran across Kolkata to celebrate 153 years of the city’s iconic tramways, celebrating a legacy that has long been part of its cultural fabric. According to Hindustan Times, the tram was called ‘Geetanjali’ and it began the celebratory journey from the Gariahat depot at 9:30 AM on Tuesday. The tram passed through Esplanade and headed to Shyambazar, and many tram lovers were present to see this celebration.
The first tram in Kolkata was introduced on February 24, 1873, making it the oldest operating tram network in Asia. It began as a horse-drawn service that ran from Sealdah to Armenian Ghat in the then Calcutta. To mark 153 years of this iconic service, the tram was decked in fresh flowers and a cake was also cut.
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What Do Locals Want?
While Kolkata tramways are an important part of the city, the network has shrunk drastically over the years. From operating as many as 37 lines in the 1960s, the tram network in Kolkata shrank to 25 routes by 2015. Three years after the city celebrated 150 years of tram service in 2023, the network has now been reduced to just two operational routes, Gariahat–Esplanade and Esplanade–Shyambazar, marking a significant decline in the once-expansive system.
Residents of Kolkata are urging city authorities to revive key tram routes, saying the network is not only a cherished heritage transport system but also an eco-friendly mode of travel. Many locals, in particular, want the Maidan route restored as a dedicated heritage corridor to preserve and carry forward this historic legacy.
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Have you travelled on the Kolkata tram? Let us know in the comments.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/Calcutta Tram Users Association