Kolkata’s iconic tram service, which has been in operation for over 150 years, is facing discontinuation, except for a short heritage route from Maidan to Esplanade

-

Kolkata’s iconic tram service, which has been in operation for over 150 years, is facing discontinuation, except for a short heritage route from Maidan to Esplanade. Tram enthusiasts, however, are planning to protest against this decision, aiming to preserve this part of the city’s history. Kolkata remains the only city in India where trams still run, symbolizing a significant chapter in urban transportation.

Trams were first introduced in 1873 as horse-drawn carriages, becoming electric by the early 20th century. Over time, they became an essential mode of transport in Kolkata, renowned for their eco-friendly and non-polluting nature. As the city’s transportation network expanded, roads became congested, leading to concerns about the slow pace of trams amidst increasing vehicular traffic. While trams offer an average speed of 20-30 kmph, which is similar to the speed of many vehicles in the city, critics argue that their presence causes traffic jams during peak hours.

Despite these concerns, tram lovers insist that regular maintenance and repair of unused tramcars could help them run more efficiently, without contributing to traffic problems. The Calcutta Tram Users Association, along with environmental activists, has launched a campaign, asserting that trams are vital for maintaining a green, sustainable transport option in a city with limited road space. They suggest alternative measures like road widening and removing encroachments rather than ending tram services altogether.

There is also the cultural and historical significance of trams to consider. They remain a symbol of Kolkata’s colonial past and its unique charm, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to modern transportation. However, balancing this heritage with the practical needs of a growing urban population is a challenge that remains unresolved.

#SaveKolkataTrams #EcoFriendlyTransport #TramsOfKolkata #HeritageRide #SustainableCity

Venkataramanan Ramasethu

Popular posts from this blog

"A Bronx Tale" is a compelling crime and coming-of-age drama directed by and starring Robert De Niro, released in 1993.

-
Image
"A Bronx Tale" is a compelling crime and coming-of-age drama directed by and starring Robert De Niro, released in 1993. The film is a powerful narrative set in the 1960s Bronx, New York, revolving around the life of a young Italian-American boy, Calogero Anello, who is torn between his admiration for a local mob boss, Sonny, and his hard-working, honest father, Lorenzo. The story kicks off when Calogero witnesses Sonny, the charismatic yet feared gangster, commit a murder. When the police arrive, Calogero chooses not to identify Sonny as the shooter, beginning a complex relationship between the boy and the mobster. Sonny takes Calogero under his wing, nicknaming him "C," and introduces him to the ways of organized crime. This mentorship provides Calogero with a seductive glimpse into a world of easy money and respect, contrasting sharply with his father's values of hard work and honesty. Lorenzo, portrayed by De Niro, is a bus driver who goes to grea...
Read more

"The Deer Hunter," released in 1978

-
Image
"The Deer Hunter," released in 1978, stands as a cinematic masterpiece, a haunting portrayal of the impacts of the Vietnam War on the lives of American soldiers and their communities. Central to this film are the deeply moving performances of Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep, actors of extraordinary talent and depth. De Niro, playing Michael, embodies the transformation of a man touched by the horrors of war. His portrayal is a journey through the human psyche, grappling with the brutality of conflict and the struggle to retain humanity amidst chaos. De Niro's ability to convey a complex range of emotions - from stoic resilience to profound trauma - is nothing short of masterful. He brings to life a character who is both heroic and deeply flawed, allowing the audience to feel the weight of his experiences. Meryl Streep, as Linda, offers a poignant and sensitive portrayal of a woman caught in the turmoil of war, albeit from the home front. Streep's performan...
Read more

In 1945, amidst the vibrant yet recovering streets of Paris, a French woman named Marie set off on a journey that would become a legendary tale among the locals.

-
Image
In 1945, amidst the vibrant yet recovering streets of Paris, a French woman named Marie set off on a journey that would become a legendary tale among the locals. Armed with a baguette under her arm and a basket filled with six bottles of wine, she ventured through the post-war cityscape. Despite the city bearing the scars of conflict, Marie's resolve stood firm. The war had deeply affected Paris, yet the unbreakable spirit of its residents shone brightly. Marie, wielding her baguette as a beacon of hope and sustenance, aimed to restore a semblance of normality to the battered city. Wandering the quaint cobblestone alleys, Marie met other Parisians who had weathered the storm of war. Offering them a slice of her baguette and a sip of wine with a smile and comforting words, she became a symbol of hope. Her small gestures of kindness reminded everyone that even in the darkest times, joy could be found in the simple things. Soon, tales of Marie's generosity with her bag...
Read more