Sundarban Tramjatra: Reviving Heritage and Green Transport

The 'Sundarban Tramjatra' festival in Kolkata highlights the importance of trams in promoting environmentally friendly transportation while reviving defunct routes. Supported by international collaborators, the event focuses on biodiversity conservation and features workshops and discussions to engage local communities.

This week, the 'Sundarban Tramjatra' festival kicks off in Kolkata with a vibrant tram featuring the imagery of the Sundarbans, celebrating both heritage and environmental consciousness. The initiative, supported by the Australian Government and RMIT University, aims to revive defunct tram routes and spotlight the ecological significance of the Sundarbans forest.

Organized by the Calcutta Tram Users Association, the festival offers free tram rides across Kolkata's two remaining routes, emphasizing trams as an eco-friendly transport alternative amid rising pollution levels. The festival includes workshops and discussions to foster community engagement in protecting local biodiversity, particularly in an era of often-neglected green spaces.

Melbourne tram conductor Roberto D’Andrea and festival co-curator Mick Douglas highlight the social and environmental value of trams. Currently, Kolkata operates only 25 of its 257 tram cars, with plans to expand the fleet and enhance heritage corridors, reaffirming the trams' legacy in the city's transport network.

(With inputs from agencies.)