Kolkata’s tram services, which were halted during the festive season, have finally resumed after a 13-day suspension, much to the relief of the city’s regular commuters and tram enthusiasts. This pause, the longest in recent history, impacted all three operational routes of the once-sprawling network. In stark contrast to the past, where 30 routes operated across the city, today’s tram services are confined to just three routes, reflecting the city’s shifting priorities in urban transportation. Despite this, trams remain a symbol of sustainability in an era of rising pollution and increasing motorisation.
The disruption came during a critical time when trams typically ferry thousands of pandal-hoppers during the Durga Puja festivities. This year, however, the Transport Department cited objections from the Kolkata Police as the primary reason behind the suspension, leading to frustration among regular passengers. Protests were not limited to the city itself; they extended across social media, with international tram enthusiasts expressing concern over the future of the city’s iconic electric vehicles. Many supporters emphasised trams’ eco-friendliness compared to modern electric vehicles, which pose battery disposal challenges.
Despite the welcome return of tram services, commuters and supporters remain sceptical about the long-term future of the tram network. Delays in service resumption, including a halt on the Ballygunge-Tollygunge route due to construction works, have raised concerns about the authorities’ commitment to maintaining this historic mode of transportation. Passengers believe the Transport Department has been slow in addressing tram service restoration, often engaging in bureaucratic delays. This has prompted the Calcutta Tram Users Association (CTUA) to consider legal action to ensure the trams’ continued operation.
From a sustainability perspective, the tram system represents a vital green alternative to Kolkata’s increasing reliance on private vehicles. With pollution levels rising and urban congestion worsening, the tram network stands as a reminder of the importance of sustainable public transport solutions. Bangkok, which once had its own tram system, now faces severe congestion and pollution, highlighting the value of Kolkata’s century-old trams as a critical player in addressing the city’s environmental challenges.
