153 Years of Kolkata Trams: Preserving Asia’s Oldest Operating Tram Network

Kolkata recently marked a historic milestone as the city completed 153 years of tram service, celebrating one of its most iconic symbols of heritage and sustainable urban transport. The occasion not only highlights a remarkable legacy but also renews conversations around preserving this unique mode of public transportation.

The story of Kolkata’s trams began on February 24, 1873, when the first horse-drawn tram ran between Sealdah railway station and Armenian Ghat. What started as an experimental transport system gradually evolved into a defining feature of the city’s streetscape. Today, Kolkata’s tram network proudly holds the distinction of being Asia’s oldest operating tram system, making it a living piece of urban history.

In a significant development, the Calcutta High Court has emphasized the importance of preserving tram services, recognizing their cultural, historical, and environmental value. The court’s observation comes at a time when debates continue around modernization and infrastructure changes in rapidly growing cities.

Unlike many modern transport systems focused solely on speed, trams represent a slower, more sustainable form of mobility. They produce lower emissions, reduce noise pollution, and offer an eco-friendly alternative within dense urban environments. For many residents and visitors alike, tram rides are also deeply nostalgic, evoking memories of a Kolkata that blends tradition with everyday life.

Over the decades, trams have become more than just a means of commuting; they are woven into the cultural identity of the city. From vintage photographs to films and literature, the sight of a tram moving through Kolkata’s streets remains a powerful visual symbol of continuity and character.

As Kolkata moves toward modernization, the preservation of its tram network reflects a broader challenge faced by historic cities worldwide — balancing development with heritage conservation. Protecting this rolling legacy ensures that future generations can continue to experience a rare transport system that connects the past with the present.

Kolkata’s trams are not merely vehicles on tracks; they are a reminder that progress does not always mean leaving history behind — sometimes, it means carrying it forward.