Kolkata, February 24 A specially decorated tram, dating back to World War II, was unveiled from a city depot on Tuesday to commemorate the anniversary of the introduction of the first tram service in the city in 1873.
The vintage tram, named 'Geetanjali', began its journey from the Gariahat depot, passing through Esplanade and heading towards Shyambazar as part of the celebrations organized by the Calcutta Tram Users Association.
As it traveled along the tracks with around 50 enthusiasts on board, the decorated tram attracted the attention of passersby navigating the crowded city streets, connecting different parts of the city as they did in the past.
The journey evoked nostalgia for older residents and a renewed desire for a pollution-free transport service.
This symbolic journey comes at a time when the tram network — the oldest operating in Asia since its horse-drawn debut in 1873 — has drastically reduced. The system transitioned to steam in 1882 and was electrified in 1902, when the first electric tram ran from Esplanade to Khidderpore.
From as many as 37 lines in the 1960s, only two routes, Gariahat-Esplanade and Esplanade-Shyambazar, remain operational now, according to sources in the West Bengal Transport Corporation.
Sagnik Gupta, Joint Secretary of the Calcutta Tram Users Association, said that the tram on display has a rich history.
"During World War II (1939-45), when Japanese bombing led to blackout conditions, trams were built at the Nonapukur workshop under candlelight," he said, citing accounts passed down over time.
Unlike newer models, Geetanjali was designed for routes such as Tollygunge, where tracks once ran along grassy stretches in south Kolkata, evoking a slower and quieter cityscape.
Declared a heritage tram in 2014, Geetanjali is currently housed at the Nonapukur depot and can be rented for special occasions, a transport department official said.