The loud, rumbling sound of a two-coach tram ambling down the streets is immediately recognizable to anyone who has visited Kolkata. The tram system, operated by the Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC), is not only the oldest running electric tram network in Asia since 1902, but also the last operational tram system in India. This eco-friendly mode of transport, which has witnessed generations come and go, has a rich heritage deeply intertwined with the city’s history.
A Modern Touch to a Timeless Icon
The trams have undergone transformations over time, with sleek, fast, and maneuverable single-coach models making their debut in 2012. These state-of-the-art trams, equipped with fluorescent lights, FM radio, digital advertising boards, and route indicators, represent a modernized version of the classic Kolkata tram. However, behind these advancements lies a journey that began with much humbler beginnings.
Humble Beginnings in the 19th Century
It was in 1873 that Kolkata saw its first attempt at running a tram service—a 3.9 km route between Sealdah and Armenian Ghat. The service was short-lived due to low patronage, folding the same year. It wasn’t until 1880 that the Calcutta Tramway Company Ltd. was officially formed and registered in London, reigniting the dream of a tram network in the city. Initially, horse-drawn trams ran on meter-gauge rails, with Lord Ripon, the then Viceroy of India, inaugurating the route.
The horse-drawn era saw the tramways grow, with the company owning 166 tram cars, 1,000 horses, and seven steam locomotives by the late 19th century. However, the dawn of the electric age arrived in 1902, with the first electric tramcar in Asia running from Esplanade to Kidderpore. The introduction of electricity in tram systems was a groundbreaking development, altering the face of public transport in Kolkata forever.
The Golden Era of Kolkata’s Trams
The electrification of the tram network opened new routes throughout Kolkata, crisscrossing the city. By 1943, the tracks covered a sprawling 68 kilometers, connecting the bustling areas of Kolkata and Howrah. The trams became an indispensable part of daily life, serving lawyers, babus, vegetable vendors, and religious pilgrims heading to the Hooghly ghats.
Through the 1950s and 60s, the trams were a dominant mode of transport, with the first tram of the day rolling out just before dawn and the last returning to the depot close to midnight. Even as Kolkata was waking up to television sets and adjusting landline antennas, the trams were an unchanging constant in the city’s landscape.
Decline and Modern Challenges
But with the infrastructure boom in the late 1980s, the fate of Kolkata’s trams took a downturn. The introduction of the city’s Metro system marked the beginning of a decline for trams. With newer, faster public transport options available, the once-thriving tram network saw a sharp drop in users. A 2008 survey showed that only 77,500 people traveled by tram that year—a stark contrast to the 750,000 daily passengers in the 1980s. Despite Kolkata’s population increasing, trams were slowly falling out of favor.
The tram system is now seen by many as an inconvenience, too slow for the fast-paced modern world. However, for those who grew up with the trams, they remain a beloved cultural artifact, a reminder of Kolkata’s past. The nostalgia for these rumbling icons has kept them alive, even as their presence dwindles.
A Future in History: The Tram Museum
In an effort to preserve this important piece of Kolkata’s history, the Tram Museum was opened in 2014 at the Esplanade depot. Housed in a 1938-built tram car, the museum offers visitors a journey through time, with exhibits showcasing old photographs, tram tickets, passes, uniforms, and equipment used by tram staff. The departure site of the first electric tram in Asia has now become a permanent home for enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Trams in Popular Culture
Kolkata’s trams have been immortalized on the silver screen, starring in both classic and contemporary films. From Satyajit Ray’s Mahanagar to the modern-day Kahaani and Yuva, trams have played a role in capturing the essence of Kolkata. Their presence in films speaks to their cultural significance, offering a glimpse into a simpler time.
The Fight to Keep Trams Alive
Despite their fading prominence, the trams’ eco-friendly nature has sparked conversations about their relevance in a world increasingly focused on sustainability. Trams run without polluting the atmosphere, relying on electricity rather than fossil fuels. Yet, they continue to face stiff competition from faster, more convenient modes of transport.
In a bid to keep the trams alive, the Calcutta Tramways Company has begun renting out tram cars for private tours, parties, and even weddings. Trams can also be hired by movie producers, ensuring that they remain a part of Kolkata’s cultural fabric, even if only on special occasions.
What Would Kolkata Be Without Its Trams?
As Kolkata evolves, the question remains—what would the city look like without its tramways? The loss of this piece of heritage would be a blow not only to Kolkata’s history but also to its future. As an eco-friendly, affordable, and nostalgic mode of transport, the tram holds a unique place in the city’s heart.
If Kolkata’s residents truly realized the value of this timeless icon, perhaps the tramways could once again flourish, reclaiming their glory days. Until then, they continue to rumble through the streets, a reminder of a bygone era, holding on to their place in the City of Joy’s rich cultural mosaic.