Kolkata's Famous Trams Face Discontinuation After 150 Years

The Kolkata trams, which have operated since the late 19th century, are a testament to the city's rich transportation history. Introduced by the British in key Indian cities such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai, the trams aimed to revolutionise urban passenger transport. Many people in Kolkata were shocked to learn that the iconic tram service, which has been operating for over 150 years, will soon be discontinued. The West Bengal government has decided to stop the trams, except on one route.

The news agency PTI reported that West Bengal Transport Minister Snehashish Chakraborty stated that there is a plan to discontinue tramways from most parts of Kolkata. However, he clarified that there is no fixed date to do so. Chakraborty mentioned that there will be a well-equipped tram in heritage form from Esplanade to Maidan for joyrides, but trams will be removed from other routes.

A Legacy In Peril

The news of the potential removal of trams has shocked and angered many who deeply value Kolkata's trams as an integral part of the city's cultural legacy, and not just as a mode of public transport. People have taken to social media to protest against the move. The citizen-driven organisation, Calcutta Tram Users Association, said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: "CTUA strongly condemns the plan to reduce Kolkata's iconic tram system to a mere 'heritage route,' even as the case is in high court. Trams are essential for sustainable urban mobility, not just nostalgia. Let's fight for our city's future, not erase its past #SaveKolkataTram."

"Why is the government against trams?" asked many internet users. It was pointed out that there were close to 100,000 passengers in 2011 when the Trinamool Congress took over. Tram fans have argued that private buses cause more pollution and more traffic jams due to reckless driving, more so than the trams.

A Sustainable Mode Of Public Transport

Kolkata's tram system is one of Asia's oldest transportation systems since the late 19th century. Over time, trams became integral to Kolkata's transportation system and were witness to many historic moments in the "City of Joy." For instance, during World War II, the British hesitated to officially open the Howrah Bridge in 1943 due to fear of an attack. A solitary tram was the first vehicle to cross the bridge in the darkness, the world's third-longest cantilever bridge, on February 3, 1943.

Ten years later, a one-paisa increase in tram fare gave Leftist parties in Kolkata a strong foundation to launch their agitation and gain a foothold in West Bengal politics. Once celebrated as Kolkata's lifeline, trams gradually faded into the background as alternative modes of transportation gained prominence. This is ironic in today's scenario when everyone talks about living a sustainable lifestyle. Several studies have shown that trams are the most energy-efficient mode of transport after walking and cycling, as they produce no tailpipe emissions.

The trams also provided an opportunity for socialising across societal and economic barriers. In the 1990s, double-decker buses were permanently discontinued and tram services were suspended. "As I was interested in public transport systems, especially rail-based ones, I smelt [something] fishy in this decision. I collected enough information on light rail transit that convinced me the anti-tram decision was anti-people [and] driven by corruption and dishonest forces," says Debasish Bhattacharyya who has since been protesting the closure of tramways in the city. Bhattacharyya is a retired scientist and the president of the Calcutta Tram Users Association (CTUA). He is one of the most important pro-tram voices in a city where this environment-friendly mode of transport still exists.