West Bengal is planning a major revival of Kolkata’s iconic tram network, including a new heritage corridor connecting Kalighat and Dakshineswar to promote religious tourism and sustainable transport.
Heritage Trams Set for a New Journey Beyond Central Kolkata
Kolkata’s iconic tram network, one of the city’s most enduring symbols, could soon receive a new lease of life as the West Bengal government works on an ambitious revival plan that extends far beyond the traditional city centre. At the heart of the proposal is a heritage tram corridor connecting the famous Kalighat and Dakshineswar temples, a move aimed at boosting religious tourism while preserving the city’s historic transport legacy.
The transport department has entrusted the Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) with preparing a blueprint for modernising and expanding the tram system, which remains the oldest surviving tram network in the Asia-Pacific region.
Temple Corridor to Promote Religious Tourism
The proposed route linking Kalighat and Dakshineswar is expected to become a major attraction for devotees and tourists visiting two of West Bengal’s most revered temples.
Transport officials believe that the corridor will not only strengthen connectivity between the two religious landmarks but also offer visitors a unique way to experience Kolkata’s heritage. The plan is part of a broader strategy to integrate trams into the state’s tourism infrastructure while preserving their historical significance.
The government is also studying the feasibility of laying tram tracks along stretches of the Hooghly River and the Adi Ganga to support the project.
State Government Plans Wider Tram Revival
The revival effort goes beyond the heritage corridor. According to state Transport Minister Arjun Singh, the government intends to restore nearly 70 tram routes that once operated across Kolkata. Currently, only a limited number of routes remain functional after years of closures and declining ridership.
Officials say the initial priority is to revive existing routes before extending the network to rapidly growing urban centres such as Salt Lake and New Town.
The government has also announced plans to introduce modern, air-conditioned trams equipped with updated technology and improved passenger amenities.
Modern Trams Inspired by Global Cities
As part of the overhaul, authorities are considering lightweight tram models similar to those operating in Australia and several European cities. The proposed fleet is expected to combine Kolkata’s rich tram heritage with modern urban mobility standards.
Many of the new trams are expected to run on battery-assisted systems and will be designed to operate more efficiently in the city’s increasingly congested streets. Officials have indicated that the tracks could be repositioned to the sides of roads in certain areas to reduce traffic disruptions and improve safety.
The state is also examining the possibility of procuring tram cars from abroad as part of the modernisation programme.
Heritage and Sustainability at the Core
Kolkata’s tram system began operations in 1873 with horse-drawn carriages before transitioning to electric power. Over the decades, the trams became synonymous with the city’s identity, featuring prominently in literature, films, and everyday life.
Urban planners and transport experts have long argued that trams can play a vital role in promoting environmentally sustainable public transport. Being electric-powered, they offer a cleaner alternative to conventional vehicles and can help reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion.
The revival project reflects a growing global trend in which cities are investing in eco-friendly transport while preserving historic infrastructure.
Expansion Beyond the City Centre
Alongside the temple corridor, the government is also exploring the extension of tram services to emerging urban areas such as Rajarhat, Salt Lake, and New Town. These regions have witnessed rapid growth in recent years and are home to major business hubs, residential complexes, and educational institutions.
Officials believe that integrating trams into these areas could improve connectivity while reinforcing Kolkata’s unique identity as the only Indian city with an operational tram network.
Why This Matters
The proposed revival of Kolkata’s trams is about more than preserving a piece of history. It represents an attempt to combine heritage, tourism, and sustainable urban transport at a time when cities around the world are searching for greener mobility solutions.
If implemented successfully, the Kalighat–Dakshineswar corridor and the broader tram expansion could transform the way residents and visitors experience Kolkata.
Key Takeaways
- West Bengal is planning a heritage tram corridor connecting Kalighat and Dakshineswar.
- The route is intended to promote religious tourism and preserve Kolkata’s transport heritage.
- RITES has been tasked with preparing a revival plan for the tram network.
- The government aims to restore nearly 70 tram routes across the city.
- Modern air-conditioned trams and extensions to New Town and Salt Lake are also under consideration.
Category: West Bengal | Transport | Tourism | Heritage
