[3] The Calcutta Tramway Company was formed and registered in London on 22 December 1880. You can book the whole tram if you wish. (Later route 14), 1925 - Nonapukur – Parkcircus route opened. (Route 13 diversion). Riding it is indeed an emotional experience in the city that has been celebrating its tradition and culture since ages. No, the Tram didn’t become a history, Kolkata came up with AC Trams and India got it’s first in the year 2013. The racecourse terminus was also closed due to the construction of 2nd Hooghly Bridge (now Vidyasagar Setu). After opening this line, it was the longest tram route of Kolkata.[36]. [9] One year later, a second route towards north Kolkata up to Shyambazar via College Street was opened for residents and students of medical college, university, and various schools & colleges. (Later route 9 & 10), alternative service was started from Shambazar to Dharmatala and Dalhousie Square via this route. Trams should not affect the overall speed of vehicles on roads. So it was thought to temporarily close the tram service along those routes. (Route 25 & 26 had come back to Gariahat Depot), 2002 - Mominpur – Behala route closed. The WBTC has come up with the City Travelpasses to make multimodal transport within the city easy and seamless. A branch up to Mominpur was also opened from Wattganj via Diamond Harbour Road, but at that time direct access was constructed through Orphanganjbazar. Take a ride in one of these AC or Non AC trams early morning this week and get a taste of old Kolkata's magical heritage. Built by. SLC – This variant has a pivot; less stylish than articulated trams, it is also manufactured at Nonapukur. However the Howrah station terminus survived, but it was started redesigning largely. 7) Moula Ali to Park Circus (via Sundari Mohan Avenue) [45] In 2013, 'Charoibeti' and 'Rupasi Bangla', two AC trams, were manufactured at the Nonapukur workshop for heritage tours only. Four years later, the Mominpur–Behala route on Diamond Harbour Road closed for the construction of an overpass in Taratala. [4] These include a tram restaurant (Victoria)[56] and the worlds first shopping (glam) tram[57] and library tram.[58]. AC Tram Joyride – Heritage Tour. Indian Journal of Spatial Science, 10 (2), 59–64. 1941 - Rajabazar – Shyambazar Junction route opened. Priced at Rs 100 per head, it allows unlimited travel for a day on all AC and non-AC trams. The trams have a 550 V DC power supply from overhead lines. The tram system in the city of Kolkata, West Bengal, India, operated by West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) after Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC) was dissolved, is the oldest existing tram network operating in India, and oldest operating tramway in Asia. The both-end type had a front iron net and a rear-coach trolley pole. [3], Two years later, the connection between Nonapukur and Moula Ali opened via Circular Road (now Acharya Jagadish Chandra Basu Road), and after that tram service started from Nonapukur to Howrah Bridge via Sealdah station. Overall the world, at that time, trams thought an old technology and inflexible. Adults above 18 can surely enjoy the ride at normal AC tram fares. Traversing a long way since 1873, from horse-drawn carriages to the modern-day air-conditioned coaches, tram cars of Kolkata will now have WiFi … Metcalfe Hall – Howrah Bridge – Nimtala route opened (Later route 19). [38] After two years, The Howrah Station terminus closed, converted to bus terminus and the tram tracks were removed on Rabindra Setu the following year, since the world’s busiest ageing cantilever bridge was not strong enough for trams. In 1995, the High Court terminus closed for the reconstruction of Strand Road. The government assumed the tramways, reserving the right to purchase the system with two years' notice on 1 January 1972 or at any time thereafter. “The idea of Wi-Fi in trams is to make them attractive for the youth and tech savvy commuters,” said WBTC managing director Rajanvir Singh Kapur. [3] After the independence during to partition of India, the number of people started dramatically increasing on the roads of Kolkata due to a lot of refugees. With the introduction of the AC tram, however, footfalls are at an all-time high. Tram tracks were laid down via Dufferin Road through maidan, and on reserved track for high-speed steam trams for morning walkers, tourists, race-course goers, and peoples living on those area. Free Wi-Fi enabled on Kolkata’s AC trams . Kolkata, India. //-->. However, trams are still plying in Kolkata and measures are being taken to resuscitate the 133-year-old Calcutta Tramways Company. Hence then the old Howrah Bridge was a pontoon bridge, it was not possible to connect Kolkata tram and Howrah tram directly. At that time, there were five ways of tram routes from Esplanade, i.e. (Route 19). Therefore, a Kolkata bus rental becomes a good option in case you are travelling with a small group. Dalhousie Square – Metcalfe Hall - High Court route opened (Later route 14 extension). So the Behala-Joka route closed for construction of the metro line 3. The project increased public awareness of the network and its value, ultimately saving it at that time.[41]. CTC owns 257 trams, of which 125 used to run daily. When D'Andrea heard about the planned network closure, he suggested an art project to decorate the trams (as was done in his home city). The living heritage of Kolkata gets the much needed makeover after a tram car was refurbished and retrofitted with air-conditioners. 2012 - Bagbazar terminus closed, Bagbazar – Galiff Street section doubled. (Route 3, 7 & 9). [42] It was early planned to relaying tram tracks on two sides of the road under the overpass, but it was finally cancelled because of then Mayor Subrata Mukherjee. Route 14 had come back to Dalhousie Square terminus. The workshop is also renovating steel-body (BSCL) cars. All tram routes which were running up to Howrah Bridge now started going directly up to Howrah station from Belgachhia, Galiff Street, Rajabazar, Park Circus, Tollygunge, and Kalighat. [12] It was followed by a south-central branch towards from Wellington Square to Park Street (now Mother Teresa Sarani) via Wellesley Street (now Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road). 1952 - Dalhousie Square terminus redesigned, outside park tracks brought into the park. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Govt to provide residential plots in New Town, Give Left-Cong alliance chance, appeals Yechury, DYFI's Nabanna march turns violent as police resorts to water cannons, lathicharging. In 1902, the first electric tram began its … The free internet facility is being provided to attract the youth of the city. You can book the whole tram if you wish. With a capacity of 24 and equipped with a television and FM radio, the AC tram runs four rides daily to the north and south of the city. [3] It was the first and only village extension of Kolkata tram network, for developing this area as a city. 1904 - Kumortuli – Bagbazar route opened. Khidirpur & Kalighat were the only steam & horse tram depot at that time respectively. In the next year a new route opened for steam tram service towards Khidirpur. Well, to help relive the citizens of the heat and to promote the use of trams amongst the poeple, Kolkata governement has equipped two trams in Kolkata … Sometimes called an "elephant car" by the CTC, its cab and rear are narrow and slightly slanted forward (like the head of an elephant, without the trunk). Well, to help relive the citizens of the heat and to promote the use of trams amongst the poeple, Kolkata governement has equipped two trams in Kolkata … Rids for children will be free. It was introduced as a higher-speed tram with an improved engine, designed to run on express routes such as Galiff Street, Ballyganj, Tollyganj, Behala and Khidirpur. e9.size = "300x250,300x600,160x600"; 1907 - Moula Ali – Nonapukur route opened (Later route 20 & 26 after extension). Gariahat tram depot was also constructed at that time. The Lalbazar-Mirzapur down line was closed, but the up line remained. Khidirpur tram depot was also constructed at that time, which was also a minor workshop for all steam trams. [43] Although it was initially planned to relaying tracks on the overpass after its completion, the road was later converted to a national highway and the plan was dismissed. Another connection from Metcalf Hall towards Nimtala via Strand Road (now Rajib Gandhi Sarani) was also opened for serving the crematorium and serving of businessmen. The first horse-drawn trams in India ran for 2.4 miles (3.9 km) between Sealdah and Armenian Ghat Street on 24 February 1873. “One can hop on to any AC or non-AC tram. “Heavy sentiment is associated with trams in Calcutta. West Bengal Transport Corporation introduced WiFi facility in tram cars of Kolkata to make them attractive for the young generation. All the remaining plans were also cancelled forever at that time. (Photo: iStock). When it was opened, it was breaked the election code of conduct, and so he was suspended from the post of transport minister before the election. In 1902, the first electric tram began its … We, garrison engineering co pvt ltd is one of the An ISO 9001 certified prominent leading Manufacturer, Supplier and Fabricator of AC Tram, We have established ourselves as a leader in the Fire Fighting industry in India by manufacturing quality AC Tram at saving lives, properties etc from Kolkata… However, residents of Bidhanngar was highly against of tram, so that extension was finally cancelled. The department has already introduced two AC trams with modern facilities in the city, which are currently used as joyrides. Statesman News Service | Kolkata | January 2, 2021 9:13 am, The existing fleet, according to sources in WBTC, has around 33 new and old trams running on different routes of the city. Kolkata's only AC Tram has been giving it's service to the city of joy. After the starting of the line 2 of Kolkata metro in 2017, all the Binay Badal Dinesh Bag bound tram routes have been closed for an indefinite time. – Bentinck Street, Dharmatala Street (now Lenin Sarani), Chowrangi Road (now Jawaharlal Nehru Road), Dufferin Road and Old Court House Street (now Hemanta Basu Sarani), and three ways of tram routes from Dalhousie Square, i.e. [23], After again a long 13 years gap, new tram route construction had started again in 1941. (Route 8 had extended to Galiff Street), 2019 - Maniktala - Shyambazar – Belgachhia route closed. [22] A new terminus near Racecourse was constructed in next year for race special trams towards Belgachhia, Bagbazar, Galiff Street, Rajabazar, High Court, Nimtala, Park Circus, Tollygunge, Behala & Khidirpur. 1985 - Maniktala – Ultadanga old terminus route opened. Route 11, 20 & 26 had come back to Howrah Bridge terminus. On 31 December 1986, the route extension from Behala to Joka was completed via Diamond Harbour Road. [3], The Howrah sections were decided to close first, because Indian National Congress government thought trams were creating traffic jams on narrow streets of Howrah city. All single and double coach trams were transferred to Kolkata area. According to WBTC, the pass is also valid on special trams such as the Library Tram. [39], The system had degraded by the 1990s, and Minister for Transport Shyamal Chakraborty planned to close the network. Call or email Trips & Tours to book your seats. Also with an improved engine, it was used on local and express routes. [33] In next year, Sealdah flyover opened with tram tracks on it. Esplanade – Lalbazar closed. For shibpur route, a single coach double-ended tram was selected due to the lack of creating a loop at Shibpur. New single coach AC tram standing at esplanade tram terminus.jpg 4,096 × 2,304; 4.39 MB On road train kolkata.jpg 4,320 × 2,432; 3.74 MB Photo of a tram in Calcutta - … The tram lines, laid in some major roads, are now renovated to place the tram lines on the same level plane as the rest of the road, thereby smoothening the road. The man was rushed to the hospital for his arm to be reattached. Seat booking : Special Services, all day ticket ( Tram & Bus) & AC Tram Joy Ride (Call : +91 869 773 3745)Excusive Booking : Full TRAM / BUS reservation , (Call : +91 869 773 3318)Visit Joyrambati - Kamarpukur & Mayapur by CTC Buses, online booking through www.ctconlinebooking.in 1881 – Dalhousie Square – Lalbazar - Bowbazar – Lebutala - Sealdah Station route opened (Later route 14). Trams should not affect the overall speed of vehicles on roads. Dalhousie Square – Esplanade connection opened (Later route 22, 24, 25 & 29). Kolkata is the only city in India to have a tram network. The Wi-Fi services in each tram can support up to 30 users with an average per user speed of one mbps. Its front and back overhang, and narrow towards the ends. 1 minute ago. Direct tram service started from Ballyganj to Tollyganj, Behala, and Dalhousie Square. Pathak Pratap Shankar, The Sunday Story, Sunday Times of India, Kolkata, Pramanick, S., Anwaruzzaman, A. K., & Roy, U. 1928 - Kalighat Junction – Ballyganj route opened.. (Later route 24 & 27 extension). For first phase, first two lines were selected. The route was inaugurated by the Viceroy, Lord Ripon, on 1 November 1880. Metcalfe Hall – Howrah Bridge terminus closed. WiFi facility introduced in AC tram coaches of Kolkata to attract youth "The idea of WiFi in trams is to make it attractive for the youth and the tech-savvy," WBTC Managing Director Rajanvir Singh Kapur said. The SLC type was introduced much later on the Bandhaghat line, and continued until its closure in 1971; after that, SLC trams began running on the Gariahat and Tollygunge lines on the Kolkata side. Trams are under the administration of the Calcutta Tramways Company, a government of West Bengal Undertaking, popularly called CTC (now merged with West Bengal Transport Corporation). [4] Each single-deck articulated car can carry 200 passengers (60 seated). 1882 - Esplanade – Wellington Square – Bowbazar – Boipara - Hatibagan - Shyambazar Junction route opened (Later route 5). [16] In next year, The Kumourtuli line was extended to Bagbazar, after which the Kumortuli terminus was closed. In the 1st phase, tram service opened between Mirzapur and Purabi cinema for Howrah Station tram routes, and in the next year from Purabi Cinema to Lebutala for Binay Badal Dinesh Bag routes. (Route 12, 17, 20, 26) Wellington Square – Moula Ali route closed. Rails and wires were removed from there and from Strand Road, Hare Street, and Shahid Khudiram Basu Road and it is now the site of the newest Kolkata High Court building. In the next year, a new branch was constructed from Kalighat to Ballygunge, another then south suburb of Kolkata via Ballygunge Avenue (now Rasbihari Avenue).