Trams are part of the legendary symbols of the city of Kolkata. Its character represents the character of the city itself, that is slowly getting lost in trying to keep up with the frantic pace of the so called ‘modern’ society. Tram was first introduced in the city of Kolkata about 150 years from now. At that time it was a representation of novelty. But who knew back then, that 150 years later, tram would be on the verge of getting disbanded due to official indifference and mismanagement!-A Heritage Symbol of Kolkata
Kolkata High Court, under the leadership of Chief Justice Sivagnanam, comes to the rescue for preservation of the tramways. Following a PIL filed against total disbandment of trams, HC orders State to restore and conserve the heritage transport.-A Heritage Symbol of Kolkata
Causes that led to the decline of the tramway: The tramway, although a pollution-free and cheap mode of mass transportation, owing to its slow speed and extensive size does not seem feasible in congested city roads. Moreover, it has been almost forty years since CTC (Calcutta Tramways Company) received any grant intended to upgrade this utility. Today most people in Kolkata are not even aware of the routes on which trams are plying, and those who travel in it mostly hop in and hop out without buying tickets, because it goes at such a slow speed. In the last few years the State Government has gradually sold off properties of CTC to private companies and although 116.62 km of tracks still exist in the city on 33 km is operational.
The High Court’s Intervention: Bothered by the current deplorable condition of the heritage transport, an advocate and tram enthusiast filed a PIL petition for preservation of the tramways. On June 21, 2023 the division bench of Kolkata High Court comprising Chief Justice Sivagnaman and Justice Ajay Kumar Gupta ordered the State of West Bengal and its Transport department to form a committee of experts to inspect and report about how tramway services can be ‘restored, maintained and preserved”.
Also, an interim order was passed that restrained the State Government from auctioning or selling off tram depots, tram sheds or any such properties.
While the Chief Justice agreed to the fact that expenses were required for complete restoration of the tramways, he expressed that, this problem should not be viewed from revenue standpoint alone. He also added, “The people of Kolkata are very passionate of trams.. it is an iconic symbol…like yellow taxis. Elsewhere in the world where there are such trams, they have been replaced by new cars with latest technology..If you want to pursue the State can definitely do it.. for expenditure purposes if the entire stretch cannot be covered, then at least the major routes..in fact on Red Road, where we travel, if there was a tram facility.. it will be a great tourist attraction. All that people have got now are Chariots..now the horses are already before the Court for rehabilitation, serious thought is needed.”
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