End of an era? West Bengal to halt 150-year-old Kolkata tram service, protests erupt to save heritage

West Bengal News: The West Bengal government has announced its decision to end Kolkata’s iconic 150-year-old tram service, except for a single heritage stretch between Maidan and Esplanade. Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty cited traffic congestion and the need for faster transportation as the reasons behind the decision. "Slow-moving trams create jams during peak hours, making it difficult to run them in the current scenario," Chakraborty said.

Kolkata remains the only city in India where trams still operate. Since their introduction in 1873 as horse-drawn carriages, trams have been an integral part of the city’s transportation heritage. However, with only 6 percent of the city's surface area dedicated to roads and the surge in vehicular traffic, trams are now seen as a hindrance.

Kolkata's conundrum  

Despite the heritage value of trams, the state government believes that modern transportation needs outweigh the benefits of keeping the full tram system operational. Chakraborty confirmed that the matter is pending before the Calcutta High Court and that the government will present its position in an upcoming hearing.

The court had previously suggested reviving trams through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, but several tram routes have already been discontinued. In response to the announcement, tram lovers and environmental activists, led by the Calcutta Tram Users Association (CUTA), have vowed to protest, launching demonstrations at tram depots across the city. "Trams are non-polluting and not as slow as portrayed. If maintained properly, they can run smoothly," said CUTA member Kaushik Das. The association has started a campaign to save Kolkata’s trams, pushing for the restoration and upkeep of unused tramcars.