Click on the link below and weep for the demise of our iconic Calcutta trams.

In Sydney, they have spent millions of dollars to reinstate trams and tracks that were removed many years ago, so I hope that common sense prevails and our Kolkata trams are not only allowed to continue operating but also get their much-needed upgrading.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgn4mzn224o

I would like to point out a Melbourne tram driver mentioned Kolkata’s Tram in the article along with many other interesting pieces.

https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/in/people/interview-with-roberto-dandrea-melbourne-based-tram-conductor-saving-kolkata-trams-tramjatra-project/

On October 3, 2024, Pradipta Shome wrote:
Thanks for the nostalgic link, with many pictures.

The recounting by D’Andrea of the tramways and similarities with Melbourne trams was a riot. Calcutta-Melbourne Tramways Friendship Cricket Match. The decorated trams in both countries. I will send this to my Oz friend, Peter Brown – erstwhile resident of Calcutta. I was surprised to see that ridership had fallen off drastically. In Montreal, the trams or subways are quiet and ride on pneumatic tires. Innovations to look forward to.

The trams did serve a purpose but took up scarce road space. The question is how the displaced riders can find other conveyance. Is the needed capacity with other modes there? The underground rails help and take pressure off the streets. However, the network may not be enough or extensive. It does get crowded in rush hour time.

Maybe they could systematize the traffic to make it more orderly. Road traffic deaths in Calcutta and India in general are one of the highest in the world.

Note from ADMIN:

The above discussion from our veteran members inspired me to look at the history behind Kolkata’s Tram. The first tram in Kolkata, India began running on February 24, 1873, powered by horses. Calcutta was the first city in Asia to get electric trams. The service began in 1902 between Esplanade and Kidderpore.

https://www.cntraveller.in/story/in-photos-farewell-to-kolkatas-trams-a-visual-history-of-a-heritage-icon/

There is a downpour of requests from all corners of the world to save Kolkata’s tram. I as a website Admin wanted to add my nostalgic experience with Calcutta’s Tram.  I grew up with Tram Rastha behind my backyard, figuratively. Alas, the Kolkata tram is on its deathbed! Kolkata’s tram is not just a little thing that can be perished so easily. I can’t look back like other historians, nevertheless, I can express my attachment to Tram from my childhood. Going back to my early school days taking free rides for a few stoppages without paying and then jumping out from the tram to avoid the ticket conductor. Riding onto a running tram was quite easy then, remembering the cold breeze while the tram speed up near the Victoria (maidan) area, the alert sound from the tram still buzzed in my ear. Behala Tram Depot was my hang-out place with my friends. It is just my nostalgic image of Tram for my bygone days. Does anyone remember the electric overhead lines zig-zag and crisscrossing like a spider web on many crowded street corners? Can you ever forget the Esplanade tram depot? I completely forgot about Kolkata’s Tram for half a century.

Kolkata Tram Museum and many restoration efforts, tram-based restaurants are valiant ventures by public and private efforts, which are commendable. Nevertheless, Kolkata’s Tram’s survival would be a historical marvel. Such a suggestion must not go unnoticed (see the photo). Even from the point of view of financial impact, Kolkata’s Tram system would endure with some modifications relating to present traffic demand and modern technology.