India: Kolkata trams see final halt in sight as Bengal govt mulls discontinuation
Kolkata trams ready for final halt
Indian megacity of Kolkata is on the verge of losing one of its most cherished heritages: Trams. The government in the eastern state of West Bengal has announced that it is planning to discontinue the 150-year-old tram service for most of the city. The service would only remain operational between Maidan and Esplanade, as per media reports.
West Bengal Transport Minister Snehashish Chakraborty has clarified that there is no fixed date to do so. “Trams are undoubtedly a part of Kolkata’s heritage,” Chakraborty said. The minister said that more transportation services, like buses, will be introduced in the city to improve the travel experience.
Why is Kolkatadiscontinuing the tram service?
Trams occupy a major part of the road in the city, leading to congestion, roadblocks and traffic jams.
“Roads comprise only a small portion of the city’s area,” said the state's transportminister. The government has promised to run electric buses on the routes to better manage traffic movement.
Reaction on social media
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The news has shocked as well as angered people who view trams not just as a mode of transport but also an integral part of the city’s rich culture and heritage.
Calcutta Tram Users Association (CTUA) slammed the potential move in a post on X, saying, “CTUA strongly condemns the plan to reduce Kolkata's iconic tram system to a mere 'heritage route,' even as the case is in high court. Trams are essential for sustainable urban mobility, not just nostalgia. Let's fight for our city's future, not erase its past #SaveKolkataTram."
"Why is the government against trams?" asked one angry user on the social media platform.
Tram fans say private buses will cause nuisance on roads and exacerbate the traffic jam problem.
Notably, Kolkata’s tram network is Asia’s oldest and has remained operational since the late 19th century.
However, trams are no longer the primary mode of transportation for the city dwellers. Its popularity has faded over the years as people started preferring alternative modes of transportation.
(With inputs from agencies)