Kolkata is a city steeped in history and tradition. One of the most iconic symbols of this city’s rich heritage is its tram system. The trams of Kolkata have not only been a mode of transportation but also a cultural phenomenon that has stood the test of time. However, only now, three tram routes are functional in Kolkata.
Not Many Trams Left!
#150thAnniversaryKolkataTrams#TramParade TramJatra 2023 to celebrate 150 years of #trams in #Kolkata. And the fight to hold onto a green mode of transport in a polluted city…@TUMInitiative @fridays_india @SnehasisAITC @MickyGupta84 @ahmermkhan @anuradhagoyal @PaushaliSahu pic.twitter.com/o61archoZw
— Calcutta Tram Users Association (@_CTUA_) February 26, 2023
According to The Hindu, The Calcutta Tram Users’ Association, a member of the expert committee recently established by the Calcutta High Court, plans to hold a protest in College Street on Saturday to demand more trams on the three routes that are still operational, even though the future of the iconic Kolkata tram now largely depends on them.
Following a lawyer’s plea, the Calcutta High Court demanded that the tram be preserved and ordered the formation of an expert committee to make recommendations for how to maintain and repair this non-polluting mode of transportation.
The protest is underway in order to pressure officials to increase the number of trams. College Street is congested with shoppers just before Durga Puja, and when a place is busy, the trams usually fill up as well. This is advantageous for both the general public and the tramways.
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Conserving Heritage On Wheels: Kolkata’s Trams
#TwitterSt
Tram's in Kolkata should be a pivotal part of the City Action Plan for Clean Air. Unfortunate that the city that is so proud of its heritage is undermining the tram network. Hope good sense prevails!@AaravSeth_ @vsengupta @lifeindia2016 @candinam#SaveKolkataTrams pic.twitter.com/wvE6tBjdob— Calcutta Tram Users Association (@_CTUA_) June 27, 2021
In its heyday, the Kolkata tram network was extensive, covering more than 60 routes and providing an essential mode of transportation for the city’s residents. These trams became an integral part of Kolkata’s identity and featured prominently in literature, films, and the daily lives of its people. They became more than just a means of commuting; they were a symbol of nostalgia and pride.
Kolkata’s trams have always been more than just vehicles; they are moving pieces of heritage. The iconic yellow trams, adorned with advertisements and painted with vibrant colours, have become an integral part of the city’s landscape. They also serve as a time capsule, offering passengers a glimpse into Kolkata’s past. The wooden interiors, the rickety ride, and the clanging of bells harken back to a simpler era. It’s as if time stands still when you step inside a Kolkata tram.
While efforts towards conserving Kolkata’s trams have been commendable, there is still much work to be done.
Cover image credits: Wikimedia Commons