Kolkata tram is a tramway network that serves the city of Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta), located in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is one of the oldest operating tram systems in Asia, and the only one still operating in India.
The Kolkata tram was established in 1873, and its first line was inaugurated in 1880. At its peak, the tram system had over 60 routes and over 400 trams. However, over the years, the system has faced competition from other forms of transport, such as buses and the Kolkata Metro, resulting in a decline in its popularity.
Today, the Kolkata tram system has a total of 12 routes, covering a distance of around 17.4 kilometers. The trams are powered by overhead electrical wires and have a maximum speed of 20 kilometers per hour. The trams are also a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors taking rides to experience the nostalgia and charm of the old-fashioned mode of transport.
Despite its popularity as a tourist attraction, the Kolkata tram system faces challenges in terms of modernization and expansion. However, efforts are underway to revitalize the system, including the introduction of air-conditioned trams and the extension of existing routes.
