Once symbolic of old Calcutta, trams may halt in their tracks

Kolkata’s iconic trams, which have been part of the city’s landscape for 150 years, may be phased out in 2024, with plans to confine them to a “heritage joyride”. The government argues that trams are no longer a viable public transport option for an overcrowded city. Activists have filed public interest litigations to save the tram system, and a committee has been formed to explore ways to modernize the trams. However, the West Bengal government seems determined to shut down the existing routes and relegate trams to a heritage status. The future of the trams will be decided in court on January 8.