Sat Jan 11 03:24:27 UTC 2025: ## Kolkata’s Iconic Trams Fight for Survival Amidst Weekend Events

**KOLKATA, INDIA (January 11, 2025)** — Kolkata’s beloved trams, facing an uncertain future despite their historical significance, took center stage this weekend. Nearly 200 students from Sri Sri Academy enjoyed a nostalgic tram ride on Saturday, organized by Tramjatra, a local initiative promoting the city’s heritage. The event aimed to introduce younger generations to this eco-friendly mode of transport before it potentially disappears.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, coinciding with Swami Vivekananda’s birthday, the Calcutta Tram Users’ Association (CTUA) organized a protest demanding the reopening of the Tollygunge-Ballygunge tram route. This route, the only remaining tram line in South Kolkata, has been closed for months due to purported track repairs, despite the low cost of repairs (estimated at ₹7-8 lakh) and the high demand from commuters.

CTUA president Debasish Bhattacharyya expressed suspicion that the closure is deliberate, accusing the West Bengal Transport Corporation and Kolkata Municipal Corporation of a coordinated effort to dismantle the tramway system. He highlighted the significant cost savings for commuters who currently rely on more expensive autorickshaws. Tramjatra co-founder Mahadeb Shi echoed these concerns, emphasizing the route’s popularity and its lack of interference with traffic flow. The future of Kolkata’s trams remains uncertain, caught between preservation efforts and potential decommissioning.

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