Friday 4 October 2013

TRAMS IN KOLKATA - “a rich heritage”






Kolkata, the city of joy also said to be the cultural capital of India is a beautiful city that holds great significance in terms of heritage, culture and even religion. Moreover, Kolkata holding a rich significance in the history and culture of India there is no better way to visualize it more than taking a heritage ride in a tram. Kolkata is the only Indian city which maintains such rich heritage. These electric operated tram rides not only take you to your destination, but a tram ride means being a part of a very old rich heritage. 


This sturdy built electrically driven carriage has gone through the wears & tears with the ravages of time since the first tram which rolled out in the tracks way back in Feb 24th 1873. Braving out the illustrious moments of our Indian freedom struggle, World wars, Kolkata tram had come a long way and still its wheel continue to pave its way as a rail witness of the present era and hopefully for the future too.





Heritage tour on tram starts from Esplanade Tram terminus. Then it 
takes a turn towards BBD Bagh (Dalhousie Square) and crosses the Writer's Building, the General Post Office, the Tank Square and the St. Andrews Church. Further it runs towards north and enters the Chitpore Road and passes through neighborhoods and communities. It goes past the Nakhodia Mosque, the House of Rabindranath, the Kumartuli area, the Jain temple and many more to reach the Belgachia tram depot.The tram retraces from here to connect to Bidhan Sarani. On the way back, it passes by the Star Theatre, the Arya Samaj Temple, the Presidency College and coffee house on College Street. It moves further towards south and takes Lenin Sarani and passes by the Carey's church, and finally rattles its way back to Esplanade.




The unique characteristics of tram :

Comfortable- Tram is very comfortable for everyone as it moves in a limited speed and it is very spacious also. Thus travelling by tram is much more enjoyable for users than on other public transport.

Affordable- Tram is the cheapest mode of transportation as one can travel long distance in a few bucks. 

Optimizes urban space- A tram can carry as many passengers as two buses or 174 cars can.
Non-polluting- It is pollution free as it runs on electricity.
Light and quiet - Tram can stop and start faster, which provides the system with enhanced safety and speed.

Dignita Baruah
PGPMC
2nd sem 


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