150-Year-Old Tram Service Faces Closure

When we hear the word "tram," Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, immediately comes to mind. This mode of transport, with a history spanning over 150 years, is now available only in this city in India. However, it seems that trams in Kolkata are nearing their end as the West Bengal government has decided to phase them out. West Bengal's transport minister Snehasis Chakraborty revealed this on Tuesday.

"Tram services began in 1873 with horse-drawn carriages. Since then, they have undergone numerous changes and have become a part of Kolkata's heritage. There's no doubt that they played a crucial role in the city's transportation system. However, in recent times, road traffic has increased dramatically. During rush hours, slow-moving trams contribute to traffic jams, causing inconvenience to motorists. That's why we have decided to discontinue their services," the minister explained. He added that the Maidan-Esplanade route will continue for some time.

The tram service, which is a unique attraction in Kolkata, completed 150 years last year. Once a common sight throughout Kolkata, these rail cars have gradually declined in number. In this context, a petition was filed in the Calcutta High Court regarding their maintenance, and the court conducted a hearing on it in December last year. The court suggested that the government explore possibilities of running tram services under public-private partnerships.

While the matter is still pending in court, the government's decision to end the services has sparked debate. There is significant criticism on social media, and tram lovers are preparing to protest against the decision. Trams, often referred to as "street trains," typically have two carriages.