'End Of An Era': Internet Unhappy As Kolkata's 150-Year-Old Tram Service Set To Shut Down

The tram service in Kolkata has not only been an effective mode of transportation but also a part of the heritage for over a century. As per latest reports, the West Bengal government has decided to discontinue this service barring one stretch from Esplanade to Maidan. State transport minister, Snehasis Chakraborty, mentioned that the government would restore this one route for tourism purposes. But the decision was met with much uproar on social media, with people pointing out how this has been part of the city’s legacy.

The transport minister acknowledged that trams are undeniably a part of Kolkata’s legacy, having been introduced in 1873 and played an important role in transportation in the preceding century. He told The Indian Express, “We are not discontinuing tramways from today or tomorrow. We are aware of people’s emotions.” One of the major reasons cited by the transport minister is that the slow moving trams are resulting in congestion.

Many people have reacted to the government’s move on social media and expressed their dissatisfaction. A user wrote, “End of an Era.. Kolkata Tram 151-Year Legacy Comes to an End..As the curtains draw on this iconic chapter, we bid farewell to a piece of history. Future generations will only know the Tram..through faded photographs and nostalgic tales. RIP Kolkata Trams.” Another person stated, “150 years of heritage transport in Kolkata: Trams discontinued. Will miss them on the Kolkata streets.”

Expressing disappointment over the government’s decision, an individual noted, “Bravo to the powers that be for shutting down Calcutta’s century-old tram system, a symbol of heritage and sustainability. Instead of modernizing it, they chose to let it decay—why preserve history when you can erase it? Who needs eco-friendly transport when chaos reigns supreme? Another piece of Kolkata’s soul, discarded without a second thought.”

Not just citizens, even the Calcutta Tram User’s Association voiced their opinion against the decision and noted, “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? Trams are replaced by autos & parking. Whose interests are being served.”

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the case is currently before the Calcutta High Court, which appointed an advisory group last year and requested a report on how tram services in Kolkata could be restored, maintained and preserved.