Kolkata's tram service is not just a mode of transport but a 150-year-old historical legacy. It has been a special part of people's lives and gives Kolkata a unique identity.
However, recent reports indicate that the West Bengal government has decided to shut this service except for one route between Esplanade and Maidan. State Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty mentioned that the government will preserve this one route for tourism purposes. This decision has sparked an outcry on social media, where people expressed how it has been a part of the city's heritage.
'Because of slow-moving trams...'
The transport minister acknowledged that the trams have been part of Kolkata's heritage since their introduction in 1873 and played a significant role in transportation in the past century. He told an English newspaper, 'We are not going to shut down the tramway immediately. We understand people's emotions. But slow-moving trams cause congestion.'
Source: aajtak
'The End of a 151-Year Legacy'
Many have reacted to the government's move on social media to express their dissatisfaction. One user wrote, 'The end of an era... The 151-year legacy of Kolkata's trams has ended. As this iconic chapter closes, we bid farewell to a piece of history. Future generations will know trams only through faded pictures and old stories. RIP Kolkata tram.' Another person said, '150 years of heritage transportation in Kolkata: trams are being phased out. I will miss them on Kolkata streets.'
Source: aajtak
'Why Preserve History When You Can Erase It?'
Expressing disappointment with the government's decision, a person sarcastically said, 'Kudos to the powers that be for shutting down Kolkata's century-old trams, symbols of heritage and sustainability. Instead of modernizing them, they chose to let them fade away - why preserve history when you can erase it? Who needs environment-friendly transportation when chaos reigns supreme? Another piece of the soul of Kolkata discarded without a second thought.'
Source: aajtak
What Did the Kolkata Tram Users Association Say?
It’s not just the citizens; even the Kolkata Tram Users Association voiced their opinion against the decision, stating, 'Globally, over 450 cities still run trams, and over 70 cities have reintroduced them after shutting them down. Cities with higher population density and fewer roads than Kolkata have successfully reintroduced trams! Why can't Kolkata? Trams have been replaced with autos and parking. Whose interests are being served?'
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the matter is currently before the Calcutta High Court, which appointed a consultative group last year and requested a report on how tram services can be restored, maintained, and preserved in Kolkata.
To note, trams were established in India in the late 19th century. In 1873, horse-drawn trams started in Kolkata. The city has witnessed this heritage transport for the past 150 years. Trams have always been eco-friendly and have dominated other forms of transport.
In 2011, Kolkata had 37 tram routes. By 2013, this number was reduced to 27. In 2017, the tram routes were further decreased to just 15. By 2018, there were only 8 routes. Post-COVID, the number of tram routes has dwindled to just 2. In 2011, 70 to 75 thousand passengers used to travel by tram daily.
