Discontinuation of Kolkata's Tram Service

• 04 Oct 2024

Source: IT 

Why in News?

Recently, the West Bengal government has decided to discontinue Kolkata's tram service after 151 years of its introduction. 

• A small stretch from Maidan to the Esplanade will be retained for tram lovers as a heritage stretch. 

What are the Key Facts About Kolkata's Tram Service? 

• About Tram: A tram is an urban rail transit system consisting of railcars that transports people and goes along metal tracks in the road.  
  • In Kolkata, initially it ran on metre gauge but after 1902 tracks were converted to standard gauge. 
• Beginning of Trams in Kolkata: The first horse-drawn trams in Kolkata began operating on 24th February 1873, covering a 3.9-km stretch between Sealdah and Armenian Ghat. 
  • Calcutta Tramways Company was formed and registered in London in 1880. 
• Electrification and Expansion: On 27th March 1902, Kolkata introduced its first electric tramcar from Esplanade to Kidderpore.  
  • This was also Asia’s first electric tram service. 
  • In 1946, the tram was the first vehicle to cross the Howrah Bridge.  
  • By the early 20th century, tram routes connected the city extensively, including the Howrah section via the Howrah Bridge. 
• Decline from the 1970s: The rise of cars and buses on Kolkata's narrow streets made trams cumbersome and contributed to traffic congestion.  
• Cultural Symbolism: It is depicted in Satyajit Ray's 1964 film 'Mahanagar' (The Big City) and other films like Apur Sansar reflecting Kolkata’s cultural backdrop. 
• Recognition: In 2020, Kolkata introduced India’s first electric tram library. 
  • In 2023, Kolkata celebrated 150 years of tram services with a week-long event called "Tramjatra 2023”. 
• Trams in Other Indian Cities: Trams started in Bombay in 1874, Madras in 1895, Delhi in 1904, Kanpur in 1914, and Poona in the early 20th century. 
  • They were discontinued in all Indian cities between 1933 and 1964, except for Kolkata. 
• Trams in Global Cities: Melbourne, Lisbon, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Zurich and Berlin have well functioning tram service.  
  • Melbourne has the oldest operational tramways in the world which started in 1885. 

Why Trams Lasted for So Long Only in Kolkata? 

• Narrow Streets: The city’s narrow streets and old architectural structures limited the expansion of road networks, making trams a practical alternative. 
• Low Car Ownership: Low car ownership in Kolkata compared to other metropolitan cities sustained the demand for affordable public transport like trams. 
• Affordable Ticket Prices: The affordability of tram rides also contributed to their longevity.