Kolkata's iconic 150-year-old tram service set to be discontinued. Internet reacts: 'It's an identity'

The iconic tram service in Kolkata, a vital part of the city's transportation network and heritage for over 150 years, is set to be largely discontinued by the West Bengal government. State transport minister, Snehasis Chakraborty, confirmed that all tram routes would cease to operate, barring a single stretch between Esplanade and Maidan, which will be preserved for tourism purposes. This decision, aimed at alleviating congestion caused by the slow-moving trams, has sparked widespread debate and backlash from the public and heritage advocates.

Introduced in 1873, Kolkata’s trams have long been a symbol of the city’s identity. Acknowledging this, Minister Chakraborty remarked, "We are not discontinuing tramways from today or tomorrow. We are aware of people’s emotions." However, he reiterated the challenges posed by trams in modern traffic conditions, explaining that their slow pace was contributing to bottlenecks on Kolkata’s already congested roads.

The announcement triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with many expressing disappointment over the end of what they consider a crucial part of Kolkata’s cultural fabric. One user lamented, "End of an era... Kolkata Tram’s 151-year legacy comes to an end. Future generations will only know the trams through faded photographs and nostalgic tales. RIP Kolkata Trams." Another remarked, “150 years of heritage transport in Kolkata: Trams discontinued. Will miss them on the Kolkata streets."

Criticism also came from those who viewed the decision as a failure to modernise an eco-friendly mode of transportation. One post read, “Instead of modernizing it, they chose to let it decay—why preserve history when you can erase it? Another piece of Kolkata’s soul, discarded without a second thought.”

The Calcutta Tram User’s Association also voiced its disapproval, arguing that the trams could be integrated into modern transport infrastructure. “Over 450 cities globally run trams, and 70+ cities have brought them back after discontinuation. Cities with higher population density and fewer roads than Kolkata have reintroduced trams! Why can’t Kolkata?” the association stated in its response.