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Kolkata Tram, Asia’s Only Functional Tram Network, Just Celebrated 150 Years Of Service!

by Shreya Ghosh
Kolkata Tram, Asia’s Only Functional Tram Network, Just Celebrated 150 Years Of Service!

Heritage, history, and rich culture — these three words describe Kolkata most beautifully. Once you step into Kolkata, you can feel the old-world charm infusing the city’s modernity. While the major part of the City of Joy is bustling with cabs, metros, taxis, traffic jams, and whatnot, there is still a part of the city where you will see trams passing by at their own pace. And the West Bengal capital just celebrated completing 150 years of the iconic trams.

The City Of Joy Marked Celebrated 150 Years Of Kolkata Tram Service

Folks from Kolkata and even abroad jostled in the city to witness the gala celebrations of 150 years and see the trams passing across the city, both North and South Kolkata. The West Bengal Transport Department organised the celebration held on 24 February. The ones who were present at the event know what an incredible experience it has been. With such glory and grandeur of setting a magnificent landmark, people are so hopeful with the pride of the city, the Kolkata tram.

Also read: This South Kolkata Cafe Is The Perfect Blend Of Delish Food & Pinteresty Aesthetics!

The theme of the day was “Tramjatra”. Roberto D Andrea, a conductor from Melbourne began Tramjatra back in the year 1996. From Roberto D Andrea to Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty, the celebration was attended by the Consul General of Germany, Deputy CG of Australia, Daniel Sim, GM Kapur of INTACH, Manfred Auster, and many more.

Trams Were Decked Up A Part Of Tramjatra 2023

Tram enthusiasts and young people gathered in the Nonapukur Tram Depot on 23 February to glam up the biggest attraction of the celebrations. Century-old trams joined in the tram parade that began from South Kolkata’s Gariahat to central’s Esplanade, and moved forward to North’s Shyambazar, and lastly at the Nonapukur Tram Depot. Tram world in the Gariahat tram depot also hosted a remarkable part of the day.

Here are some glimpses and snippets from the day!

Also read: Gariahat Tram Depot Has Been Revamped Into A Cosy Cafe That’s An Ode To India’s Oldest Existing Tram Network

It was on 24 February 1873 when the City of Joy saw something exciting, the Kolkata tram running around for the first time. Back then, horses pulled these trams and travelled to Armenian Street from Sealdah. Cut to 150 years, trams are still ruling Kolkatans’ hearts!

It was surely a day full of fun and memories; a glorious day to add to the city’s history calendar!

Cover Image Courtesy: Twitter/ Calcutta Tram Users Association @_CTUA_