Kolkata Trams Face Shutdown: Activists Rally to Save Iconic Transport
- Kolkata's tram system, celebrated for its 150th anniversary in February 2023, is facing potential shutdown.
- The state government intends to reduce tram routes significantly, leaving only a small heritage loop.
- Activists and filmmakers are advocating for the preservation of trams, highlighting their cultural importance to the city.
In February 2023, Kolkata, India, marked the 150th anniversary of its tramways with celebrations that included music, cake, and a parade of vintage trams. However, the city's iconic tram system is facing extinction, with the state government planning to eliminate all tram routes except for a small heritage loop. The number of tram routes has drastically decreased from 52 in the 1970s to just three today. Activists and filmmakers are rallying to preserve this emblematic mode of transport, which has been integral to the city's identity and culture. Despite the government's acknowledgment of trams as a 'green' transport option, it is prioritizing investments in electric buses and an expanded metro system. The tram workers, who have formed a close-knit community over generations, express a deep connection to the trams, which have been a part of Kolkata's history and cinematic representation. The ongoing struggle to save the trams reflects a broader cultural battle over the city's heritage and the impact of modernization on traditional transport systems.