In a significant move, the West Bengal government has announced the discontinuation of tram services in Kolkata, marking the end of a cherished 150-year tradition.

This decision, revealed by Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty on September 23, retains only the route between Esplanade and Maidan. The government cited the need for faster transport options and the increasing congestion caused by the slow-moving trams as reasons for this drastic change.

Visuals from the announcement displayed the trams gliding through the city streets, providing a glimpse of their continued operation, albeit briefly. For many residents, these trams have been more than just a means of transportation; they have been a nostalgic reminder of Kolkata’s rich heritage and cultural identity. The beloved tram system, the last of its kind in India, will now see most of its routes phased out, leaving commuters and tram enthusiasts heartbroken.

In response to this decision, passionate tram lovers have taken to the streets in protest, voicing their discontent and urging the government to reconsider. As the transport department prepares a report for the Calcutta High Court, which is currently hearing petitions related to the tram services, Mayor Firhad Hakim reiterated the government’s aim to present trams as a showpiece of the city.

Debashis Bhattacharyya, founder of the Calcutta Tram Users Association (CTUA), expressed hope that the judiciary would recognize the historical significance of trams and their role in the city’s heritage. He underscored that the final decision rests with the court, which has previously acknowledged the cultural importance of trams in Kolkata.

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