Ever since the decision to discontinue tram service in Kolkata has surfaced, there has been uproar with tram lovers in the city planning to hold protests. Amid the concern, state Transport Minister Snehashish Chakraborty told The Indian Express, “We are not discontinuing tramways from today or tomorrow. We are aware of people’s emotions.”
While the government is keen on discontinuing tramways from “most parts of Kolkata, there is no date fixed to do so”.
Besides this, the matter is pending in the Calcutta High Court, Chakraborty said. “ We will abide by what the court directs or orders,” he added. Kolkata stands as the sole city in India where trams are still in operation. Last February marked a significant milestone as the city’s renowned tram service celebrated 150 years since its inaugural journey. The first horse-drawn trams graced the streets of Kolkata on February 24, 1873.
“Tramways are leading to traffic jams and road accidents. It is also not economically viable. Only the stretch at Maidan, Esplanade, and Khidirpur will remain (operational),” Chakraborty said.
On Monday, during a conversation with the media, the minister announced that tram operations will soon be restricted to the heritage stretch of Maidan and Esplanade. “Roads comprise only 6 per cent of Kolkata’s surface area and with increase in vehicular traffic, we have observed that trams cannot ply the roads along the same routes at the same time as it is leading to congestion,” he said.