Kolkata is a city still standing high soaking in the glory of some world-renowned and oldest monuments with a strong history with the Britishers. In this way, it also holds several artefacts that exist as a part of Britisher’s innovation apart from trams. However, the number of trams has been reduced with time and is among the list still running in service. Locals and tourists love to take tram rides while enjoying the good-old heritage of India. This runs on electricity and is Asia’s oldest Tram.
The Kolkata tram (AKA Calcutta Tram) functions on the traffic lights and is similar to mini-local trains. The rusty Trams maintain a special fascination around where Tv and Fm radio are installed to keep the journey exciting. In the article below, we will throw some strong and amazing facts about Asia’s oldest Tram so that your Kolkata visit could make you feel the essence of then India in modern times.
The History of Tram in Kolkata
It was 1873 in the calendar when the first attempt to run 3.9 kilometres of tramway commenced between the route Sealdah and Armenian Ghat Street. Although, the success was not met due to a lack of patrons. It was so unfortunate with the experiment that the service even did not survive a year of its service tenure.
After a long gap of seven years, the Tram of Kolkata was back in action in the colonial decade in 1902. Before this, the trams used horses attached to them to run on the road initially launched in the UK. Then it was 1882 when Steam locomotives were used as trams replacements. After this, the electric Tram was finally introduced, on which the Kolkata Tram was made with a foolproof operating system. Historically, the Tram played as an important transport facility with the highest population dependency.
Routes of Tram in Kolkata
Currently, the Kolkata Tram functions in seven different lines starting from Belgachia, Rajabazar, Park Circus, Gariahat, Tollygunge, Kalighat, and Khidirpur.
Gradually, the Tram was so much in trend that it was used to cover the entire city. At this moment, many new routes were made that used to cover all of the mainlands of Kolkata and its connecting cities’ borders. But in light of some unavoidable reasons, a few routes got discontinued. One such example is Howrah Bridge which was dismissed because it was believed that the bridge may soon get demolished.
Another biggest drawback of the decline in the Tram was the Kolkata metro. It was much faster and could accommodate more passengers.
Type of Trams in Kolkata
Interestingly, the trams are of different types. Each has two compartments: first-class and second-class compartments. Before 2013, the trams did not have any classes.
All the passengers travelled at the same fare, and facilities were uniform in the compartments. But with the passing time, the trams started giving options in services. Currently, there are approximately hundreds of trams operating in Kolkata.
The Fare for Trams in Kolkata
The Tram has the cheapest transport, which costs Rs. 5 for non-air-conditioned boggy and Rs. 10 for air-conditioned boggy. At this tram fare, you can travel within Kolkata, which is an incredible experience while you are in Kolkata.
The Tram Museum, Kolkata
When you visit Kolkata, you must go to the Tram Museum, also known as Smarnika Tram Museum, a centre that consists of the city’s transport history.
The tram memorabilia exhibition is done where the oldest Tram is settled in the middle of the Esplanade tram Depot ground. The structure shows the two-coached electric bus highlighting the finest interiors for better interpretation.
At the entry gate, you will see a statue of the tram conductor that welcomes the passengers. It has two compartments purposely segregated with various services. One has a cafeteria where you can chill and have a quick snack. The other space includes all the artefacts such as tickets, gear, uniforms, and more.
The current Kolkata tram design is similar to the past structure but with a modern interior. The exhibition is worth a visit that costs just Rs. 10 per head. So, you must plan to go there on any chosen day of the week, except on Thursday. Therefore, it ends in 30 minutes when you decide your visit do not miss to make the best of the time.
Exciting Facts About Kolkata Tram
Although time has changed, it is among India’s traditional modes of transportation. You must have watched a few Bollywood or Bengali movies with Tram in their scene when picturising the old-time stories. Byomkesh Bakshy is one movie in which the beauty and architecture of Kolkata Tram can be closely seen.
It is not yet complete about the Kolkata Tram and its obsession. The State Government of West Bengal had a proposal to start tram services at Rajarhat. Also, it is a satellite city Information Technology Hub of approximately 15 km distance from Kolkata International Airport.
Ways to Reach Kolkata Tram Museum
The Kolkata Tram Museum location is at Sido Kanhu Dahar, Maidan, beside CTC Terminus. Visitors can easily be reached by the metro from the nearest station Esplanade Tram Depot Ground. If you want private transport to reach the museum, you may book a cab for the same.
Future Possibilities of Kolkata Tram Existence
The Kolkata tram is a legacy of the Indian Transport system that the government is still practising. As per the future aspect of Tram, it is going nowhere in the coming days because it is a part of the daily life of the local folks in Kolkata Undoubtedly, the Kolkata metro has impacted the tram mechanism, but it cannot replace it completely. The affordable price and specific routes have an easy management system. Along with this, the electric Tram does not pollute the environment.
List of Must Visit Places in Kolkata Near Tram
The Birla Temple
Birla Temple is a Hindu temple established by the renowned Birla Family. It is a worship place with visiting timing 5:30 am to 11:00 am and 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm. The special attraction of this is the celebration of Lord Krishna on Janmashtami. Every year a huge crowd of devotees can be seen coming from faraway places to be a part of this festival.
The James Prinsep Ghat
Prinsep Ghat was built in 1841 under colonial rule, possessing some historical chapters attached to it. It is near the Bank of River Hooghly. There is a Palladian Porch established in 1843. This was constructed in the memory of the eminent Anglo-Indian scholar and antiquary James Prinsep, architectured by W. Fitzgerald.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a Navratan worship place of Hindus. It is located at Dakshineswar on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. This is a temple of Bhavatarini, a form of Parashaklti Adya Kali, also known as Adishakti Kalika.
Howrah Bridge
The Howrah Bridge is a popular tourist place in Kolkata that connects with the Tram. It is a cantilever Bridgeway above the Hooghly River. The bridge had replaced Pontoon Bridge to join the two cities: Kolkata and Howrah. That is why the bridge got its name after the city known as New Howrah Bridge.
Eden Gardens
Eden Garden is a cricket stadium built in 1864. This is one of the oldest and second-largest stadiums in India. Additionally, it ranks third on the world’s largest stadiums list. The area coverage is huge, with a capacity of 68,000. This is a must-visit tourist place in Kolkata where the Tram can drop you off.
Jorasanko Thakur Bari
The Jorasanko Thakur Bari in North Kolkata is situated on the Rabindra Bharati University campus. It is the ancestral home of the Tagore family built in 1861. The infrastructure has been turned into a museum where you can find artworks of the past made by Rabindranath Tagore. He was born and brought up in this place, making the campus attractive to tourists.
Trams in Kolkata: Latest Updates
Trams are always a hot topic in Kolkata and that’s why there are always some updates on them. Back in April 2022, the state Transport Department was all set to revive all the tram routes in the city, most of which were closed due to metro work going on in different parts of Kolkata. Even, two of these routes were expected to be rolled out before the grand ‘Durga Pooja’ festival.
But now, as per a new update in June 2022, Firhad Hakim said that none of the tram routes will be revived in the city because the streets are getting congested day by day. Instead, the Mayor of Kolkata is planning to introduce trolley buses that will use the overhead cable lines that are already in place for trams.
Final Note
The tram in Kolkata is a heritage that is still being used by many people living in the city. They are best known for their environmentally friendly nature, and this feature makes trams in Kolkata more attractive. If you travel to Kolkata as a tourist, a ride on the tram is a must! But make sure to know the details of the current tram routes in order to avoid any sort of hassle. And yes, get ready to welcome the new trolley buses to the city because, as of now, there are no plans for the extension of existing tram routes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to use the Tram in Kolkata?
The electricity bus or Tram is the most cost-effective public transport in Kolkata. It is from 4.15 am till 11.40 pm.
Why is Kolkata the only city in India where trams run?
Kolkata, earlier known as Calcutta, was the capital of British India. Later, it changed to Delhi, which is the current capital. Being a part of the Britisher’s foundation, it runs in Kolkata city under the West Bengal government. Along with this, the lifestyle in Kolkata is much more pocket-friendly than any of the metropolitan cities in India. This encourages the usage of the Tram in today’s era where people like making it their regular transport medium.
Which Indian city has the world's 1st tram library?
West Bengal capital Kolkata has the first tram library on wheels that runs through the Tram. The Kolkata unique tram library program was started on November 14, 2020, and is dedicated to all the children in the nation. Young Reader’s Tramcar incorporated West Bengal Transport Corporation and Apeejay Anand Children’s Library. The centre consists of books used to disclose the undiscussed lessons of tram history and the processing.
When was the first tram introduced in Kolkata?
The first tram in Kolkata started in 1873 between Sealdah and Armenian Ghat. But unfortunately, for some unknown reasons, the tram service stopped and was back in action again in 1902.
How many trams are there in Kolkata?
In total, Kolkata has 257 trams, out of which only 35 trams are in operation.
Where can I find trams in Kolkata?
Currently, West Bengal Transport Corporation is running tram service only on two routes, i.e., from Gariahat to Esplanade and from Tollygunge to Ballygunge.
Which city in India still has trams running?
No city in India other than Kolkata has trams running. The tram service was closed in 1964 in Mumbai, in 1953 in Chennai, in 1933 in Kanpur, in 1963 in Kochi and Delhi, in 1903 in Patna, and in the 1960s in Bhavnagar.
Who invented the tram in Kolkata?
The trams in Kolkata were started by the East India Company on February 24, 1873. Later, in 1880, the Calcutta Tramways Company was launched and registered, leading to the launch of meter-gauge tracks for trams in the city that were previously drawn by horses.
