Kolkata to Stop the 150-Years-Old Iconic Tram Services
Kolkata's iconic tram services will soon be discontinued, except for a heritage route from Maidan to Esplanade.
On 24th September 2024, West Bengal's Transport Minister, Snehasis Chakraborty, announced that Kolkata's famous tram services will stop running soon. The exact date is not known yet.
Kolkata is the only city in India where trams are still operating. Recently, it celebrated 150 years of its tram service.
India’s first tram started in Kolkata (then Calcutta) in 1873 when it was the capital of British India. At that time, trams were pulled by horses and covered a short distance of 3.8 km from Sealdah to Armenian Ghat Street. The idea of trams quickly spread to other cities like Patna, Bombay (now Mumbai), and Madras (now Chennai). However, Kolkata’s first trams stopped after just one year due to financial problems.
In 1880, Lord Ripon reintroduced trams in Kolkata, using steam engines. Although this was better financially, it caused pollution and noise issues. In 1902, Kolkata upgraded to electric trams, which were cheaper, quieter, and cleaner.
As new transportation options appeared, trams began to disappear from other Indian cities. Patna stopped using trams in 1903, followed by Madras in 1953, Delhi in 1963, and Bombay in 1964. But Kolkata continued its tram services, making trams an important part of the city’s culture.
In his recent announcement, Minister Chakraborty said that trams are too slow and cause traffic problems, and people need faster ways to travel. However, one tram route will remain for heritage purposes. The route from Maidan to Esplanade will be kept so locals and tourists can enjoy a scenic ride through some of Kolkata’s famous landmarks, like the Victoria Memorial and the green Maidan area.
The decision has upset many people in Kolkata who love trams. Some have even planned peaceful protests to express their feelings.
What do you think about this decision? Should Kolkata stop its tram services or keep this piece of history alive? Share your thoughts in the comments section!
