The “temporary” shutdown of Kolkata tram system in October 2024 evoked a sense of fear about its future among the employees and tram enthusiasts. Is it the end of an era? Only time will tell. A poetic tribute by Vibezeen to this charming iconic mode of transport in the City of Joy.
The government of West Bengal announced to phase out Kolkata’s iconic tram service, which dates back to 1873. Trams have been a charming symbol of the city’s rich heritage. It is also regarded as the lifeline of the city as it is the cheapest mode of transport for available for all sections of the society.
The first electric-powered tram made their entry in 1900. The introduction of AC trams in 2013 was yet another milestone. Introduced by the Britishers in the City of Joy, the trams were initially adopted by cities like Patna, Chennai, Nasik, and Mumbai. But eventually they were discontinued from everywhere. Kolkata was the only city where the vintage on wheels coexisted with subways and metro.
Recently the State Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty stated that tram services in the city are being terminated due to traffic issues. However, one route from Esplanade to Maidan will be operational. “Heritage trams, however, will run between Maidan and Esplanade so that people can have a pleasant and environment-friendly ride,” the minister said. While there’s a great deal of uncertainty with a judgment awaiting from the Calcutta High Court.
The current tram network with only two functional routes was suspended on October 7, 2024, as traffic management measure during Durga Puja. However, the staff and tram enthusiasts feared worse as similar ‘temporarily’ shut downs in the past resulted in permanent disappearance of several routes.
Tram and the Man from Kalighat
The man from Kalighat was a stranger to me;
But his sense of nostalgia was so familiar,
As familiar as the City of Joy smelt to this first-time visitor.
He knew the round trip from Shyambazar to Esplanade well enough;
Well enough to guide travellers who lost and found ways,
Only to discover some old and new pathways.
He said he takes this ride on rainy and sultry days;
On humid wintery evenings and balmy afternoons,
Boards a metro to alight at Esplanade only to take the tram ride.
And then there were a bunch of children;
Children sleeping through the clattery ride,
Some teenagers giggling jocularly;
An old couple snacking from the newspaper cone of jhalmuri,
A mother-daughter duo balancing their cloth shopping bags,
Shopping bags labeled “Kadamtala More, Jalpaiguri”.
No flurry, no hurry, no haste.
The tram clatters at its own pace;
With the rickety rickshaw puller ahead of the race.
The man from Kalighat gets off the tram,
Disappearing in the rush to catch the metro.
150 years and still clattering around;
Oh my dear, you too will be soon gone.
But your “legacy route” will live on!
By Asra Shaheen
