Kolkata to discontinue 150-year-old- tram service due to traffic congestion

Kolkata’s iconic tram service, a 150-year-old institution and the oldest operational tramway in Asia, is facing a major discontinuation, with most of its routes slated to shut down. 

The West Bengal government has announced that only a small heritage stretch from Maidan to Esplanade will continue to operate. This decision marks a significant change in the city’s transportation landscape, as the once-vital tram system fades into history.

The above decision has been taken considering the increasing traffic congestion in the city. Discontinuation of the 150-year-old tram service is not being welcomed by the locals who view trams as a significant part of Kolkata’s rich history.

Introduced back in 1873 the trams were horse-drawn carriages that later became an integral part of Kolkata’s identity, offering a unique, environmentally friendly, and leisurely mode of transportation. The trams witnessed the evolution of the city, serving commuters through colonial rule, independence, and modern urbanization. At its peak, the tram network stretched across the entire city, connecting major districts and neighborhoods.

However, in the recent years the tram system has faced increasing pressure from modern transport infrastructure projects, such as the expanding metro network and flyovers. Traffic congestion, slow speeds, and aging infrastructure have led to a decline in ridership, making the service financially unviable.

Despite efforts by heritage enthusiasts and environmentalists to preserve the tram network, the state government has decided to discontinue most routes, citing maintenance difficulties and the need for faster, more efficient modes of transportation.

The preservation of the Maidan-to-Esplanade route, a 4 km stretch through the heart of the city, will serve as a reminder of this storied past. The heritage route will allow future generations to experience a piece of Kolkata’s history, even as the city moves forward with modern transit solutions.