Tue Mar 25 00:15:00 UTC 2025: ## Kolkata Tram’s Future in Focus: Protest and Festival Highlight City’s Iconic Transport
**Kolkata, March 25, 2025** – The fate of Kolkata’s historic tram system is once again in the spotlight, with a recent protest and an upcoming festival highlighting both the challenges and enduring appeal of this eco-friendly mode of transport.
On Sunday, the Calcutta Tram Users’ Association (CTUA) organized a rally demanding the resumption of the Ballygunge-Tollygunge tram route, suspended since August 2024 due to pipeline work. The suspension, initially planned for a few weeks, has inconvenienced commuters who rely on the affordable tram service, especially given insufficient bus services. Protestors alleged the closure is a pretext for selling the depot land.
Simultaneously, Kolkata is gearing up for the “Sunderban Tramjatra,” a four-day festival (March 28-31) organized jointly by tram enthusiasts from Kolkata and Melbourne. This year’s event draws a parallel between preserving the Sunderbans mangrove ecosystem and saving the city’s trams, both crucial in the fight against climate change. The festival will include free tram rides and aims to raise awareness about the environmental challenges facing both.
A team of Tramjatra organizers recently visited the Sunderbans, interacting with local communities affected by natural disasters and tiger attacks. They highlighted the lack of adequate government support for these communities, further emphasizing the need for environmental protection and sustainable practices. The festival organizers, including a former Melbourne tram conductor, hope the event will foster a deeper understanding of these interconnected issues.
First Piper 