Joydeep Sarkar 
Kolkata: Kolkata, the only Indian city with a functioning tram system, is on the brink of losing one of its most iconic symbols. Despite a public outcry – and a large rally planned today – the state government has announced plans to discontinue the tram service due to ‘traffic congestion’.
“Trams contribute to traffic congestion, and with numerous public transport options now available, the government sees no reason to maintain the tram system,” announced Snehasish Chakraborty, state transport minister.
“Accidents involving tram lines are a concern. To preserve the historical significance of trams, we will retain a single tram route between Esplanade and Maidan, primarily for tourists.”
It is a common refrain that in the 151-year history of trams, only two people have died in accidents.
The decision to dismantle Kolkata’s tram system has faced widespread criticism. Many view trams as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly mode of transport that can be modernised to meet contemporary demands. As cities worldwide increasingly focus on sustainable urban mobility, eliminating the tram system seems counterproductive.
Over 450 cities globally operate tram systems, and more than 70 cities have reintroduced trams after discontinuing them. Even cities with fewer roads than Kolkata have successfully integrated trams into their urban landscapes.
An unused tram. Photo: Joydeep Sarkar.
“Kolkata’s tram system, though in need of modernisation, offers an opportunity to enhance and promote clean energy transportation while preserving the city’s unique character. Reviving the tram service, improving its infrastructure, and integrating it into a modern, multimodal transit system could offer a valuable model for other cities,” argued Arghyadip Hatua. Hatua is a ‘walkability’ activist whose work focuses on making cities walkable.
Last year, following the Calcutta high court’s open dissatisfaction, the Bengal government announced plans to continue the tram service on four routes. However, in reality, the number of operational routes was reduced to three with only 12 trams currently running irregularly. Over 200 trams remain idle in depots. In 2011, Kolkata had 37 tram routes covering a total distance of 150 kilometres.
“Kolkata’s limited road network, comprising only 6% of the city’s surface area, has become increasingly congested due to rising vehicular traffic. This congestion has made it difficult for trams to operate on their traditional routes,” claimed minister Chakraborty.
But tram drivers feel differently.
“While trams are confined to specific tracks, overloaded vehicles speed through major city roads and bridges. All the blame is unfairly placed on the trams. The government cannot explain why trams cannot operate on roads without overbridges or bridges,” said the pilot of a tram who requested anonymity.
The Calcutta Tramways Workers’ Union, the oldest and largest union representing tram workers, has opposed the closure of the service. “We have collectively urged the transport department to retain the tram service. It’s a heritage of the entire state. It’s not merely about our jobs,” claimed Vinay Singh, a leader of the Left-affiliated union.
“With a modest investment of Rs 20 crores, we can introduce 150 new trams in Kolkata. At present, 150 trams are currently idle and require repairs. The revenue generated from this would be substantial, and we have presented the calculations to the government, but they seem unwilling to listen.”
Right to Information activist Biswanath Goswami, has alleged that the discontinuation of Kolkata’s tram system is a smokescreen for a massive land scam. “They are illegally transferring tram depot lands to real estate developers. A Rs 225 crore scam linked to this has been exposed. Even the main opposition party, BJP, has remained silent about the tram’s removal,” claimed Goswami whose RTI application in June seeking further details about the land transfers is being shunted from one department to the other.
In 2015, the West Bengal government sold the four-acre Tollygunge tram depot, a prime piece of property near two prestigious golf clubs, for Rs 181 crore. Three more plots were sold to the Sanjeev Goenka-run Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation, the city’s power distribution company.
Electric cables which trams use. Photo: Joydeep Sarkar.
“We have reached out to all political parties. Despite being long-time commuters, we have not been able to directly engage in discussions with the government. We are once again requesting the state’s chief minister to keep the tram service operational,” appealed the Calcutta Tram Users’ Association secretary Mahadeb Shi.
Introduced in 1873 by the British, the Kolkata tram system’s design and operation were heavily influenced by European models, particularly those found in London, Paris, and Vienna. They was initially horse-drawn, later transitioning to electric power in 1902. In February of this year, the city’s iconic tram service commemorated its 150th anniversary.
“For those of us who have been using this pollution-free mode of transport at affordable fares for decades, this decision by the government seems like a suicidal move. So many governments have come and gone, but none of them have stopped the tram service,” said Debasis Bhattacharya, the Calcutta Tram Users’ Association president.
Translated from the Bengali original by Aparna Bhattacharya.