Its bell may soon cease to ring, and Deep Das is already feeling the sadness of it. The tram has been creaking through the streets of Calcutta, an Indian megacity, for a century and a half and is the oldest tram system in Asia still in operation. However, it is nearing its end.
“Thinking about it fills me with sadness,” Deep Das expresses. The 18-year-old student candidly admits that he has always preferred the worn-out trams to the comfort—even the air conditioning—of a taxi or bus.
“Some days, there are many more buses and cars. But I always waited for the tram, sometimes for over two hours,” he proudly recalls.
“Maybe this will be the last tram I ride,” the student says, fear creeping in as he sits on his rough wooden bench. “I really don’t know what I will do when this is gone…”
The first tram ran along Calcutta’s winding tracks as early as 1873, marking the beginning of the « Raj », the British Indian Empire (1858-1947).
Initially, the trams were pulled by horses, then transitioned to steam engines, before electric motors became popular around 1900.
Today, the blue and white cars with yellow caps still traverse their route at a speed of 20 km/h, navigating through the chaos of cars, taxis, trucks, buses, tuk-tuks, and sometimes even cattle that vie for space on the city’s streets and intersections.
But for how much longer?
Local authorities contend that the retirement of the Calcutta tramway is not imminent.
The West Bengal Transport Company, which operates it, claims that at 7 rupees (8 euro cents) per ticket, it remains the cheapest mode of transport available.
They also assert that a tram can carry five times more passengers than a bus and does not contribute to pollution.
Point of Refusal
“While it’s true their numbers have drastically decreased, the trams in Calcutta have managed to defy the odds,” the company proudly states. “They represent the glorious past, present, and future of the city.”
However, this official proclamation does little to convince tram advocates.
They point out that trams now operate only on two lines, and those trips are quite irregular. They must yield to other vehicles, and during off-peak hours, some even hang laundry on the tram’s electrical wires…
More critically, due to inadequate maintenance, the equipment has gradually deteriorated. Dozens of trams now languish in a warehouse-cemetery in the city, rusting away.
Its slowness and discomfort have led to its decline. For many, the tram is now little more than a curiosity.
“Whenever I really feel like it, I still board the tram. It reminds me of my childhood,” confides a somewhat nostalgic Ram Singh, a 54-year-old teacher. “Cities must develop, but their history also needs to be preserved.”
A small group of determined users refuses to accept the impending demise of their beloved tram.
“I will do everything I can to prevent this,” promises Deep Das. “I love my tram more than myself.” Along with a users’ association, he attempts to rally the public through informational meetings and posters.
Leading this resistance, Debashish Bhattacharyya campaigns for the tramway’s economic and ecological benefits.
“The necessary investments are quite low,” he argues. “The lifespan of a tram is between fifty to eighty years, and its operating costs are minimal.”
To bolster his argument, this retired biochemist is even prepared to invoke national pride.
“Calcutta is the only city in India that still has a tramway,” asserts Debashish Bhattacharyya. “If it disappears, we lose not just the city’s splendor, but the splendor of all of India.”
The Future of Calcutta’s Historic Tramway
Its bell may soon no longer ring, and Deep Das is already very sorry about it. The tram that has been creaking through the streets of Calcutta for a century and a half, the oldest in Asia still in service, is approaching its terminus. “When I think about it, it fills me with sadness,” says 18-year-old student Deep Das.
Deep finds solace in the battered cars of the tram rather than the comfort of air-conditioned taxis and buses. He shares, “Some days there are many more buses or cars. But I always waited for the tram, sometimes for more than two hours.” His sentiment resonates with many locals who cherish the nostalgic feel of traveling by tram.
A Brief History of Calcutta Trams
The first tram ran along the winding tracks of Calcutta as early as 1873, marking the dawn of the British Indian Empire. Its initial cars were pulled by horses before the introduction of the steam engine, and electric motors became popular in 1900.
Today, the iconic blue and white silhouettes, with their yellow caps, navigate the chaotic streets of Calcutta at a speed of 20 km/h, surrounded by cars, taxis, trucks, buses, tuk-tuks, and even cattle. But how much longer can this unique mode of transport survive?
The Case for Preserving Calcutta’s Trams
Local authorities maintain that the tramway is not yet due for retirement. The West Bengal Transport Company, which operates the tram, emphasizes that at 7 rupees (approximately 8 euro cents) per ticket, it remains the cheapest form of transportation available.
They argue that trams are capable of carrying five times more passengers than buses without contributing to pollution. The company proudly states, “While it is true that their numbers have drastically decreased, Calcutta’s trams have managed to defy the odds.”
Challenges Facing the Tram System
Despite official assertions, supporters of the tramway are not convinced. They point to significant operational challenges:
- Operation is now limited to just two lines, which run very irregularly.
- Trams must yield to faster vehicles and sometimes even have laundry drying on their electric lines during off-peak hours.
- Due to neglect and lack of maintenance, a number of trams have fallen into disrepair, with many left to rust in storage.
User Experiences and Nostalgia
Many passengers express a sense of nostalgia for the tram. Ram Singh, a 54-year-old teacher, shares his memories, stating, “When I really want to (…) I still get on board. I relive my childhood a little bit.” His sentiment reflects a common emotional connection to the tramway as a vital part of Calcutta’s history.
Advocacy for the Tramway’s Future
A dedicated group of tram users, including Deep Das, are fighting against the tram’s decline. Deep passionately states, “I will do everything possible to achieve this. I love my tram more than myself.” With a user association in place, they organize meetings and distribute informational posters to rally the community.
Debashish Bhattacharyya, a retired biochemist, leads the charge, advocating for the economic and ecological benefits of preserving the tramway. He argues, “The necessary investments are very low. The life expectancy of a tram is fifty to eighty years, and the cost of operating them is really minimal.”
The Cultural Significance of Calcutta’s Trams
Bhattacharyya emphasizes the tram’s unique status in India: “Calcutta is the only city in India that still has a tramway. If it disappears, it is not only the splendor of the city that will be lost but that of all India.” This perspective frames the tramway not just as a means of transport, but as a cultural emblem rich in history.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
One of the greatest advantages of a tram system is its reduced environmental impact compared to bus or car systems. Here are some key benefits:
| Benefit | Trams | Cars/Buses |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Capacity | High | Low |
| Pollution | Minimal | High |
| Maintenance Cost | Low | High |
Looking Ahead: The Future of Calcutta’s Tramway
As it stands, the future of the tram in Calcutta hangs in the balance. Public sentiment seems to oscillate between nostalgia and practicality, but one thing is clear: the tramway is more than just a mode of transport. It embodies the rich history, culture, and memory of a city that has embraced this unique form of travel for over a century. With concerted efforts from advocates and the community, there may still be hope for the beloved Calcutta tram to continue its journey through the vibrant streets of the megacity.
