Kolkata Tram Service Update: The historic tram in Kolkata is now going to be closed. The tram in Kolkata will now run on only one route, so that its heritage can be kept alive. Mamata government of Bengal has made preparations to close the 150-year-old tram service on all routes except one. The tram service will operate only on the only heritage route from Maidan to Esplanade. News agency PTI gave this information quoting the state's Transport Minister Snehasish Chakraborty. However, tram lovers have decided to take to the streets against this decision of the government. It is known that Kolkata is the only city in the country where tram operation continues.

Why is it being closed?

Chakraborty said that slow-moving trams cause traffic jams on the roads during peak hours. Apart from this, they cannot be run even in the present time, because faster means of transport are needed for passengers. Chakraborty said, 'Tram is undoubtedly a part of Kolkata's heritage. It started in 1873 as a horse carriage and played an important role in transportation in the last century. But, Kolkata has only 6 percent of its total area and due to the increase in vehicle movement, we have seen that trams cannot run on the roads with other vehicles on the same route at the same time. This is creating a situation like congestion.'

Service is already closed on many routes

Chakraborty said that since the issue of running trams is now pending in the Calcutta High Court, the state government will present the above argument in the next hearing. The High Court, while hearing a PIL, had suggested on December 11 last year that the public-private partnership model could be used to restore and revive tram services in Kolkata. Tram services have already been discontinued on several routes in the city.

The tram will run between Maidan-Esplanade.

The minister said that despite having the least road area in the metropolis, Kolkata Police has maintained smooth traffic even during peak hours. He said, "To ensure that people do not get delayed in reaching their offices during peak hours due to traffic jams, we have to take some tough steps, including removing tram services." The transport minister said that however, heritage trams will be run between Maidan and Esplanade so that people can enjoy a pleasant and eco-friendly journey.

What is the average speed of the tram?

Reacting sharply to the state government's announcement to discontinue tram services, the Calcutta Tram Users Association (CUTA) said it would hold protests in front of five tram depots across the city. Environment activist and tram enthusiast Somendra Mohan said, "We will not let this happen. If the state government is serious about reducing traffic jams, it can remove encroachments and widen roads. Trams do not cause pollution. Trams do not run at a slow speed as their average speed is 20-30 kmph, which is the average speed of other vehicles in the city."