Heritage Trams of Kolkata: A Struggle to Preserve

Protests have erupted in Kolkata following the government's indication to discontinue the 151-year-old tram services, except for a short stretch. Although the matter is sub judice, officials underline that no immediate suspension is planned. Trams have dwindled from 100 cars to 27 due to lack of spare parts, affecting daily commuters. Enthusiasts argue the iconic trams are vital for city heritage and environment-friendly transportation.

Protests have erupted in Kolkata after Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty announced the state's inclination to discontinue the 151-year-old tram services from most roads, except for a two-km stretch from Maidan to Esplanade, due to traffic snarls caused by slow-moving vehicles.

The matter is sub judice before the Calcutta High Court, and the state is yet to take an official decision, contrary to certain media projections. Currently, 27 tram cars operate along 12 km, a significant reduction from 100 cars over 61 km in 2011, due to the lack of spare parts.

Despite the dwindling numbers, the government has no immediate plans to withdraw tram services entirely but aims to rationalize them. Trams, introduced in 1873 and modernized over time, are an integral part of Kolkata's heritage and public sentiment has been strongly against their reduction. The Calcutta Tram Users Association has organized protests and suggested revitalizing the system through public-private partnerships.

(With inputs from agencies.)