For over a century, Kolkata’s trams have been more than just a mode of transport; they are deeply woven into the city’s cultural and emotional fabric. The metallic rattle of these streetcars cutting through the misty mornings and the familiar ding of the tram bell has long been emblematic of the city’s heartbeat. They are silent witnesses to a city in transition, a city that clings to its past even as it hurtles toward the future. The trams, which once connected the bustling neighborhoods of Kolkata, now stand at a crossroads, their clanging bells fading amid the noise of buses and cars. Yet, for many Kolkatans, these slow-moving streetcars evoke a sense of belonging, nostalgia, and unity. The streets of North Kolkata immortalized in films like Satyajit Ray’s Mahanagar, are incomplete without the soft groan of a tram gliding gently along its worn-out tracks.
Trams in Kolkata are more than just relics of the past—they represent a unique blend of history, culture, and emotion. Introduced in 1873, they have seen the city through the highs and lows of colonialism, partition, and modernity. Films and literature have enshrined them as symbols of resilience. Ray’s camera, lingering on the sparks flying from the overhead tram cables, framed the streetcars as mirrors of the city’s struggle and spirit. Trams were where lovers met, where families huddled on rainy days, and where the elderly sat reminiscing about a Kolkata that once was. In this deeply layered context, the potential demise of Kolkata’s tramways feels like an emotional severing—a disconnect not just from a mode of transport but from a significant piece of the city’s collective memory.
A Tale of Neglect
Kolkata’s tram network, one of the oldest in Asia, has steadily declined since its peak. From 52 routes in the 1970s to a mere three by 2023, the tram system’s neglect has been evident. Aging infrastructure, outdated tram cars, and lack of investment have pushed trams to the brink of extinction. West Bengal’s transport minister cited limited road space as the main reason, stating that only 6% of Kolkata’s roads are available for traffic, far less than Mumbai’s 18% and Delhi’s 10%. The rise of buses, tuk-tuks, and cars has also contributed to this shift, leaving little room for the once-thriving tramways.
However, critics argue that the city’s failure to modernize trams is a missed opportunity. While other cities worldwide invest in electric and solar-powered trams to reduce carbon emissions, Kolkata is dismantling its own. Activists are quick to point out that cities like Sydney, Helsinki, and even cities across the United States are reintroducing tram systems. Could the neglect of trams be a step backward for Kolkata’s urban mobility?
Trams and Kolkata’s Identity
For many Kolkatans, trams are more than just a mode of transportation; they are a part of the city’s identity. The ding-ding sound of trams was once a familiar part of daily life. Films like Satyajit Ray’s Mahanagar immortalized these streetcars, using them as metaphors for the city’s hopes and struggles. Trams were more than just vehicles—they represented a unifying force in a city marked by divisions. During the Hindu-Muslim riots of 1947, tram workers patrolled the streets, helping restore peace amid the chaos.
Yet, despite this rich history, Kolkata’s trams are slowly disappearing. Activists, such as filmmaker Mahadeb Shi and groups like the Calcutta Tram Users Association, have rallied to preserve this heritage. Initiatives like the Tramjatra festival, where artists and musicians celebrate the tram culture, have kept the spirit of these streetcars alive. But will cultural nostalgia be enough to save the trams from being consigned to history?
Why Trams Still Matter
The potential environmental benefits of trams cannot be overstated. In an era of increasing air pollution and rising global temperatures, cities are looking for greener transport solutions. Trams, as electric vehicles, are inherently more eco-friendly than fossil fuel-powered alternatives. Kolkata’s own mayor once envisioned an all-electric transport system by 2030, with trams playing a key role. But now, that vision seems forgotten.
Kolkata’s tram activists argue that removing trams is counterproductive to efforts aimed at reducing carbon emissions. More than 400 cities around the world operate tram systems, with many expanding them. In 2019, Kolkata even won the C40 Cities Green Mobility Award for its commitment to sustainable transport. But the focus has now shifted to electric buses and underground metro expansion, which the government believes to be more efficient. Yet, there is a growing belief that trams, if modernized, could complement these systems rather than compete with them.
Heritage or Progress?
As the government inches closer to scrapping Kolkata’s tramways, the debate between heritage and progress intensifies. Some argue that trams are obsolete in a congested city like Kolkata, where road space is a luxury. But others see a city that is losing a part of its soul. Trams are not just about nostalgia—they represent an opportunity to invest in sustainable urban transport. The Calcutta High Court is currently examining ways to restore tram services, with an advisory committee weighing in on potential solutions.
Kolkata, like many cities, stands at a crossroads.
The tram debate forces the city to confront larger questions about its future: Will it prioritize short-term solutions that ease congestion, or invest in long-term, environmentally conscious alternatives? As tram routes dwindle, Kolkata’s identity as a city of innovation and tradition hangs in the balance. Whether trams will continue to be a symbol of the city’s resilience or become a relic of the past remains to be seen.
Conclusion
Kolkata’s trams, once the pride of the city’s green transport, now stand as a fading memory of a bygone era. As the city races toward modernization, the gentle whirr of these eco-friendly vehicles is slowly being drowned out by rapid urbanization and faster alternatives. Yet, trams represent more than just a mode of transport – they are a part of Kolkata’s soul, its heritage. Losing them would mean erasing a piece of history that connected generations. As they vanish from the streets, we must ask ourselves: Are we sacrificing too much in our pursuit of progress?
