Tue Jul 15 03:16:32 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Kolkata Tram Enthusiasts File FIR Over Alleged Illegal Track Destruction**

**Kolkata, India – July 15, 2025** – A prominent advocate for Kolkata’s historic tram system has filed a police complaint against the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), alleging illegal bituminization of tram tracks in the city. Debasish Bhattacharyya, president of the Calcutta Tram Users’ Association (CTUA), filed the First Information Report (FIR) at the Burrabazar police station on Sunday, claiming that the KMC’s actions violate a Calcutta High Court order issued earlier this year.

The FIR alleges that the KMC has been bituminizing tram tracks at the Chitpur-Mahatma Gandhi Road crossing, an action observed on July 5th. According to Bhattacharyya, this directly contravenes the High Court’s directive to maintain the status quo on existing tram tracks, with the exception of those already bituminized in the Alipore area.

The High Court order stemmed from a case addressing opposition to the bituminization of tram tracks. Bhattacharyya’s FIR demands that the unauthorized work cease immediately, and requests a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible, including contractors and government officials.

Bhattacharyya, a retired scientist, passionately advocates for the preservation and expansion of Kolkata’s tram network, calling it a sustainable solution for urban mobility. He argues that trams, despite facing challenges, offer a crucial alternative to congested roads and that its environmental friendliness is vital for the city. “The removal of tramway is a crime as we have enough documents to vouch for this eco-friendliness” he told The Hindu.

The future of Kolkata’s tram system, currently operating on only two routes, hangs in the balance. While the West Bengal government has expressed reservations about preserving the tram network, citing traffic congestion, tram enthusiasts remain steadfast in their fight to save it. The issue is slated to be heard in the Supreme Court on July 23rd, which will significantly influence the Calcutta High Court’s future actions regarding the tramway.

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