In response, a group of activists is working to save trams from being merely nostalgic pleasure trips but rather an essential form of transportation. Sandip Roy provides information.
With music, cake, a vintage tram beauty pageant that featured a century-old wooden vehicle, and a beaming tram conductor named Roberto D’Andrea who traveled all the way from Melbourne, Australia, Kolkata celebrated the 150th anniversary of its tramways in February 2023.
Two of the world’s oldest tramways are in service in Melbourne and Kolkata. Trams in Melbourne have existed since 1885. In 1873, the horse-drawn tram that served Kolkata made its debut.
The similarities stop there.
Despite a previous attempt by the government to eliminate them, Melbourne’s tram system continues to operate. Some trams now run on solar power, and the system has been updated.
In images: Indian trams are vanishing
Over time, Kolkata’s tram system has become less and less frequent. There are presently just three routes, down from 52 in the 1970s, 25 in 2015, and so on.
The tram cars, which haven’t been overhauled in years, whine and rattle. Not even the inside signs have changed. “Be on the lookout for pickpockets,” “No change available for 100 rupees ($1.19; $0.89) or 50,” and “Please ring the bell only once to stop the car.”
Now, the state government has indicated that it wants to do away with trams entirely, save for one short loop.
