#The slow death of Tram #

The oldest Tram in Kolkata

Friends,

Let me narrate an incident that haunts my mind always. Why we are losing signs and symbols of cultural heritage?

I am living in Kolkata for the last fifteen years. I love one of the unique systems of transportation, i.e. The Trams of Kolkata.

When I first landed in Kolkata, the first mode of transport I used was Trams.

 Yes, in the year 2001, I was transferred and had to join the Kolkata branch. After reaching Kolkata railway station, I boarded the tram near the railway station and went to Shyam Bazar, the place of stay. I was thrilled to travel by tram because it is available in Kolkata only.

I enjoyed the first ride which made me my favorite one.

These days, this mode of transport is slowly dying due to the availability of better and faster modes of transport. 

Yes, Kolkata, the city of joy, is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The city boasts of some of the finest architecture, cultural landmarks, and a unique transportation system.

One of the iconic modes of transportation in Kolkata is the tram, which has been running for the past 150 years.

The History

The tram system in Kolkata was started in 1873 and has since then been an integral part of the city’s public transport system. The trams were initially pulled by horses, and it was only in 1902 that electric trams were introduced.

The trams were a symbol of the city’s progress and modernization during the British Raj. Today, the trams have become a part of the city’s identity and are loved by many.

Kolkata Tram is facing a slow death

However, the tram system in Kolkata is facing a slow death, and the city is mourning the loss of this iconic mode of transportation. The trams were once the lifeline of the city, and people used to rely on them to get around.

But with the advent of modern modes of transportation like buses and cars, the trams have become obsolete.

  • The tram system in Kolkata is facing several challenges, including a lack of investment, outdated infrastructure, and competition from other modes of transportation.   -The trams are slow and cannot keep up with the pace of modern life.
  • The lack of investment has also led to the deterioration of the infrastructure, and many of the trams are in a sorry state.

Heartbroken Commuters

The slow death of the tram system has left many tram lovers and commuters heartbroken. The trams were not just a mode of transportation; they were a part of the city’s culture and heritage. Many people have fond memories of riding the trams and have formed emotional attachments to them.

Pollution-Free and comfortable Ride

The trams are also a symbol of sustainability and environmental conservation. The trams are powered by electricity, and they emit less pollution than other modes of transportation.

With the increasing concern over climate change and environmental degradation, Trams could have been an excellent alternative to cars and buses.

The loss of the tram system is not just a loss for the city of Kolkata, but it is also a loss for the entire country. The tram system was the oldest running electric tram system in Asia and was a unique feature of the city’s landscape.

Save the tram system

The trams were also an essential part of the city’s tourism industry, and many tourists used to take a ride on the trams to experience the city’s charm.

The slow death of the tram system is a wake-up call for the city and the country. It is time to realize the importance of preserving our heritage and culture. The tram system is not just a mode of transportation; it is a part of our history and identity. We cannot let it die a slow death.

The city and the government need to take immediate action to save the tram system. They need to invest in modernizing the infrastructure and making the trams more efficient. They also need to promote the trams as a sustainable mode of transportation and encourage people to use them.

Enjoy the Tram Ride

Tram lovers and commuters also have a role to play in saving the tram system. They need to raise their voices and demand action from the government. They can also start using the trams more often and promote them among their friends and family.

Yes, the slow death of the tram system in Kolkata is a tragic loss for the city and the country. The trams were not just a mode of transportation; they were a part of the city’s culture and heritage. The loss of the tram system is a wake-up call for the city and the country to realize the importance of preserving our heritage and culture.

Being trams lovers and commuters there is a need to raise voices and demand action from the government. It is time to save the trams and keep the legacy of this iconic mode of transportation.

Please feel free to share your feelings as well.

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Categories: infotainment

27 replies

  1. With innovations we mustn’t miss ours heritage. Beautifully crafted sir

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Well penned and also informative for people like me who had never gone out of Punjab 🤩

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Awesome post on reality about Tram. Really it is dying slowly or dead almost.
    I have seen and enjoyed riding in Tram in 1975. And last ride was on 2017.
    Thank you so much for bringing this reality.
    Awesome post with photos and sketches.
    Thank you so much for sharing.
    Regards 🙏😊

    Liked by 1 person

  4. I hope that they are saved! In these days when people are worried about traffic congestion and pollution, a mass-transit system like trams are ideal. I believe that some cities in England that got rid of their tram systems in the 1950s have now spent millions re-instating them!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. 150 years. That’s a long time. The Tram at the top looks overfull and the trams further down in the post look pretty empty. Yes electricity sounds more sustainable. I hope the trams will be saved.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. I’ve never used a tram but it’s sad that they are slowly decreasing. Hope people show up and support them.

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Tram were great actually!!!

    I guess now, we need better alternative

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I still remember chants of nabte dinna in trams of Kolkata! A nostalgic post!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Reblogged this on Retiredकलम and commented:

    Today is 7th May and this post has relevance as the first electronic Tam was introduced in kolkata..

    Like

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