Kolkata’s decision to dismantle its tramways, despite climate action plans, raises concerns about the city’s future mobility landscape. As an electric, zero-emission mass transport system, trams are integral to reducing toxic pollution and carbon emissions. However, city authorities argue that trams are being removed to accommodate the growing number of private vehicles, a decision that could worsen traffic congestion rather than alleviate it. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) study shows that congestion has not decreased in areas where tram lines were removed, suggesting that removing trams does not offer a viable solution for managing traffic.
The city’s road network, covering only 6% of its total area, highlights the importance of retaining high-capacity transport systems like trams. Kolkata, with its compact urban form, adds 87,000 vehicles annually, and parking demands from these vehicles exceed the capacity of the available space. Unlike cities like Delhi, Kolkata’s road network cannot expand, and allocating more road space to private vehicles is not sustainable. The need for mass public transport is critical, especially with the city generating 24 million daily trips. Without trams and other public transport options, the city will face a worsening mobility crisis.
Sustainability must remain central to Kolkata’s transport policies. Trams, integrated with metro, bus, and waterway systems, offer a sustainable solution to manage high travel demand. Removing trams would not only compromise the city’s ability to meet clean air targets but also diminish the effectiveness of its other electric initiatives, like the electric bus fleet. The Kolkata Climate Action Plan mandates modernisation of the tram system to reduce emissions and support the city’s clean air goals, but without strong policy support, the potential for trams will remain untapped.
Reclaiming tramways is essential for a sustainable future. The system can be modernised and integrated with real estate development, as seen globally. Cities like Hong Kong have successfully combined public transport and real estate to create a transit-oriented development model. With solar energy options available, trams can contribute significantly to Kolkata’s green transportation network. A well-planned revival of trams, rather than their removal, would ensure that Kolkata remains a leader in sustainable urban mobility.
