The West Bengal government’s recent decision to discontinue the iconic tram services in Kolkata has sparked a wave of emotions, debates, and protests across the city.
This move marks the end of a 151-year-old legacy that has been an integral part of Kolkata’s cultural and historical fabric.
The decision, announced by Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty, has been met with both support and vehement opposition, reflecting the deep-seated connection Kolkatans have with their trams.
The tram system in Kolkata, introduced in 1873, is the oldest operating electric tramway in Asia. Initially horse-drawn, the trams were electrified in 1902, transforming the city’s public transportation landscape.
For over a century, these trams have been more than just a mode of transport; they have been silent witnesses to the city’s evolution, from the British colonial era to modern-day India.
The trams have trundled through the bustling streets of Kolkata, connecting various parts of the city and offering a unique, leisurely mode of travel.
They have been a symbol of the city’s heritage, with their wooden benches, vintage charm, and the distinctive clanging of their bells.
For many, a tram ride is a nostalgic journey through time, evoking memories of a bygone era.
The decision to halt tram services, except for a single heritage route between Esplanade and Maidan, has been justified by the government on several grounds.
Minister Chakraborty cited increasing traffic congestion, narrow roads, and the need for faster modes of transport as primary reasons. He argued that the slow-moving trams were no longer viable in a city grappling with modern transportation demands.
"To ensure that people don’t get late to office during peak hours due to traffic jams, we have to take certain difficult measures, including the withdrawal of trams," Deccan Chronicle reported quoting Chakraborty stated.
The minister also mentioned that the government had stopped investing in tram services since 2018, leading to a decline in their condition and usage.
The announcement has triggered a wave of protests and public outcry. Tram enthusiasts, environmentalists, and heritage conservationists have voiced their disappointment and anger.
Social media platforms have been flooded with posts mourning the loss of the trams, with many users sharing their fond memories and calling for the preservation of this historic mode of transport.
"A heartfelt farewell to Kolkata’s iconic tram, a silent storyteller of our city since 1873 when it first trundled from Sealdah to Armenian Ghat. For generations, you’ve been more than just a ride—from the lively streets of BBD Bagh to the calm corners of Ballygunge," one user wrote.
Another commented, "The death of the #Kolkata #tram is not just about losing a part of the city’s past, but also about losing its future. We lost a less-polluting, affordable public transport system in #India, at a time when we needed more of them to rescue our streets from the tyranny of cars.
The Calcutta Tram Users Association (CUTA) has announced plans to hold demonstrations before five tram depots across the city, protesting against the government’s decision.
Environmental organisations have also raised concerns, highlighting the trams’ role as a non-polluting mode of transport that could help reduce the city’s carbon footprint.
In an attempt to placate the public, the government has decided to retain a single heritage route between Esplanade and Maidan.
This route is intended to offer a nostalgic experience, taking passengers on a scenic ride past iconic landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial, with the lush greenery of the Maidan and children playing cricket and football enhancing the experience.
While this gesture has been appreciated by some, many argue that it is insufficient.
"Instead of closing, they should have revamped it and made it look like European trams. Lack of vision," a user remarked.
Critics believe that the heritage route is merely a token gesture that fails to address the broader issues of heritage conservation and sustainable urban transport.
The discontinuation of tram services in Kolkata has broader implications for urban transport policy and heritage conservation in India.
The trams, with their low carbon footprint, represent a sustainable mode of transport that aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.
Their removal raises questions about the government’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
Moreover, the decision reflects a broader trend of prioritising modern, fast-paced modes of transport over slower, heritage options.
This trend, while addressing immediate transportation needs, often overlooks the cultural and historical significance of heritage transport systems.
The loss of the trams is not just a loss of a mode of transport but a loss of a piece of the city’s identity.
The decision has brought to the fore a range of voices, each with their own perspective on the issue. For many older residents, the trams are a cherished part of their childhood and daily life.
"I have travelled by Kolkata tram. Their coach condition is bad. Instead of closing, they should have revamped it and made it look like European trams. Lack of vision," said an individual.
Younger generations, while recognising the trams’ historical significance, are more focused on the practical aspects of urban transport.
"The trams are slow and often cause traffic jams. We need faster and more efficient modes of transport," said a college student.
Environmentalists, on the other hand, emphasise the trams’ role in reducing pollution and promoting sustainable transport.
"The death of the #Kolkata #tram is not just about losing a part of the city’s past, but also about losing its future. We lost a less-polluting, affordable public transport system in #India, at a time when we needed more of them to rescue our streets from the tyranny of cars,” wrote an environmental activist.
As Kolkata bids farewell to its trams, the city faces the challenge of balancing modernisation with heritage conservation.
The government’s decision, while addressing immediate transportation needs, has sparked a broader debate about the future of urban transport and heritage conservation in India.
There are calls for exploring alternative solutions, such as public-private partnerships (PPP) to restore and rejuvenate the tram services.
The Calcutta High Court, while hearing a public litigation petition last year, suggested that a PPP model could be used to revive the trams.
This approach could potentially address the financial and operational challenges while preserving the trams as a heritage asset.
The end of tram services in Kolkata, not just marks the end of an era but also of an emotion.
The end tram services in Kolkata also opens up a conversation about the future of urban transport and heritage conservation.
As the city moves forward, it must find ways to honour its past while embracing the future. The trams, with their rich history and cultural significance, will always hold a special place in the hearts of Kolkatans.
Their legacy, though no longer visible on the streets, will continue to inspire and remind us of the importance of preserving our heritage amidst the march of modernisation.
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