A tram service at busy Dalhousie Square in Kolkata. File photo | Photo Credit: Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury
Come February, Kolkata will witness an event that will celebrate its 150 years iconic tram And renew the hope that this non-polluting mode of transport may not disappear completely.
Tramjatra (Journey to the Tram) is a moving tram carnival that was started in 1996 jointly by enthusiasts from Melbourne and Kolkata. At the time, Kolkata, the only Indian city where trams still operate, was home to about two dozen routes. Today the number of operational routes has reduced to only two. Hence, the 2023 event will be more about influencing the West Bengal government to preserve the trams.
“Tramjatra is essentially an international collaboration of tramies, artists, environmentalists and tram-loving communities. It will continue for about a week and will focus on climate change, air pollution and sustainable development objectives, with a focus on green mobility and Kolkata’s tram heritage. Will try to educate people, especially the younger generation, about .Calcutta Tram Users Association and creative director of Tramjatra-23.
“The theme for 2023 Tramjatra will be Heritage, Clean Air and Green Mobility. We intend to paint three trams for the celebrations starting on 24 February. The first will look like one of the historic trams used in the early years. The second will emphasize the threats posed by climate change and the need for sustainability. The third would depict a contemporary tram in a different region of the world. For five days, these festive trams will travel across the city displaying the artwork. Local youth will give musical and theatrical performances on the moving tram,” Mr Xi said.
One of the main attractions of the event is Roberto D’Andrea, a retired tram conductor from Melbourne who is also a producer of the festival. He is likely to be the main host this year as well. The event is to be supported by the West Bengal Transport Corporation and is also attended by 25 delegates from Germany.
“The main four slogans for Tramjatra will be: Love the Tram; save the earth; Tram is the future of Kolkata; And let’s work together to stop global warming. We will publish a white paper stressing the relevance of trams as a means of public transport in the city. This will include steps to ensure its long-term viability, including optimum revenue collection and upgradation of the system,” Mr Shi said.