After a gap of four year, the tramways carnival has returned to Kolkata.
This is in celebration of 150 years of India’s only functioning tram system. On February 24, 1873, the city saw its first tram roll out onto the tracks.
Tramjatra, a global collaboration between tram enthusiasts, artists, communities, and environmentalists since 1996, is celebrated in Melbourne, Kolkata, and other cities. The festival promotes sustainable living and cultural heritage through awareness campaigns.
This year’s festival will focus on Heritage, Clean Air, and Green Mobility. This 5-day festival will see colorful trams traveling through the city, displaying artworks and posters with sustainable development themes.
According to reports, local youths will perform theatrical and musical acts in moving trams while Roberto D’Anda, a retired tram conductor from Australia, would distribute Tramjatra cards. He said that he was honored to be in Kolkata for the 150th-anniversary celebrations of Kolkata’s tram service. He said that they had returned with the honor of celebrating the heritage and the desire to lower air pollution.
Snehasischakraborty, Transport Minister, stated that trams cannot be run on all routes due to flyovers and Metro Rail infrastructure. He said that the government does not intend to take trams out of Kolkata. He said that they are currently in discussions with Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMP) and Kolkata Police to operate trams on some routes without impacting traffic.
Chakraborty stated that plans are being made to create a heritage route around the Maidan area.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
