On Inside South Asia: - A new strategic alliance in Asia - comprising Russia, China, Iran and Pakistan. Is it a counter to the Indo-Pacific Quad? - Sweeping economic reforms in Pakistan. But no end to leaks for the privileged. - Relentless monsoon rains wreak havoc in Nepal and India. Floods and landslides kill more than 200 people - Kolkata in India bids a final farewell to its iconic tram.

A New 'Quad' in Asia? | Kolkata Trams: End of an Era

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.

<h2>Why is Kolkata&nbsp;discontinuing the tram service?</h2>

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 transport&nbsp;minister. The government has promised to run electric buses on the routes to better manage traffic movement.

<h2>Reaction on social media</h2>

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."

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiTj8SNr96IAxV_TWwGHaJ4GiMQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-womans-body-chopped-into-30-pieces-found-in-fridge-while-tracing-foul-stench-760876" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-womans-body-chopped-into-30-pieces-found-in-fridge-while-tracing-foul-stench-760876&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiTj8SNr96IAxV_TWwGHaJ4GiMQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">India: Woman`s body, chopped into 30 pieces, found in fridge while tracing foul smell</a>

"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.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiTj8SNr96IAxV_TWwGHaJ4GiMQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-horror-sc-scolds-west-bengal-govt-for-denying-night-shifts-to-women-doctors-759439" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-horror-sc-scolds-west-bengal-govt-for-denying-night-shifts-to-women-doctors-759439&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiTj8SNr96IAxV_TWwGHaJ4GiMQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Kolkata horror: SC scolds West Bengal govt for denying night shifts to women doctors</a>

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)

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.

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 Kolkata discontinuing 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 transport minister. The government has promised to run electric buses on the routes to better manage traffic movement. Reaction on social media 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." Also read: India: Woman`s body, chopped into 30 pieces, found in fridge while tracing foul smell "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. Also read: Kolkata horror: SC scolds West Bengal govt for denying night shifts to women doctors 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)

India: Kolkata trams see final halt in sight as Bengal govt mulls discontinuation

The soviet-era trams are back in service in Saltivka, a suburb of Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine. According to district tram officials, of the approximately 160 trams in Saltivka that are a part of the fleet for Kharkiv city, 60 were destroyed and another 60 were damaged amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Soviet-era trams return to Ukraine's Kharkiv after heavy shelling

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