Tram of Kolkata; Pride or Problem?

“Kolkata’s Very Own Heritage………..”

Probably this is the most suitable phase that we can use to describe the Trams of Kolkata. Since the first horse drawn Tram carriages hit the rails, a new epoch of history was formed and it is still going on and on. Inspite of many hurdles the journey of this historical transport had never stopped on the streets of Kolkata; now it becomes the symbol of our culture and legacy.

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Kolkata is the only city of India where you can find Tram; a stylish transport since the British age. The journey of tram has a royal touch though the previous glory is no more with it still the journey has a distinct charm that is incomprehensible in words. It has mingled so deeply with the romantic nature of Bengali that even in the recent Bengali movies also the couples are seen to sharing love moments in a tram.

There was such time when the tram was the lifeline of the transport system of this city. With the advancement of that transport system it may lose its users but certainly doesn’t and will never lose its glory and charm.

The country will never forget the period when the whole city of Kolkata became so disturbed due to the increased fair of the Tram. The city had thrown a huge protest against that decision. This incident proves that how important the tram was at that time to the common people of the city.

Now the scenario has changed a lot. For some people tram is now no longer useful. It is neither effective nor required in a modern city like Kolkata where speed is everything. They are blaming this historical transport for the excessive traffic problem of the city.

But we should not forget one thing that it is not only a mean of transport but it is our heritage. We should take care and try to preserve it. We should be proud to have such a thing in our city and not to take it as a burden. We should not forget one thing that in this age of high pollution, tram is such a transport that can spread the least of it.

Above all it is the subject of our pride not shame. Yes, some steps can definitely be taken to make the tram more and more apt for this century; new designs can be introduced to give that a brand new look, but definitely keeping the old grand look intact.

Now, I can’t agree with that everything that is old is useless! It is very insensible. It is the symbol of our culture since centuries. Our grandparents still become nostalgic by watching or travelling in trams. And believe it or not for the people of outside our state, it is a matter of envy that we the Kolkatan are still having this piece of old India with us……amazing…..don’t feel embarrass, just enjoy it and take a good care of our Tram.