Kolkata’s trams are the last tramway in India and among the oldest in Asia. Horse-drawn trams first ran in 1873, electric trams began in 1902, and for most of the 20th century the system was a core part of city life. Today the network is heavily reduced, and the government has talked about keeping only a heritage stretch, so service is uncertain.
This article explains how the tram system grew, why it declined, and what to check if you want to ride one. Because the situation changes, I could not confirm which routes are running right now. Please verify with the Calcutta Tramways Company, local news or the tram users’ groups before planning a trip (last checked October 2026).
Timeline at a glance
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1873 | A short horse-drawn tram service opens, but runs only briefly. |
| 1880 | A permanent horse tram system begins, and the Calcutta Tramways Company is formed. |
| 1881 to 1883 | First routes link points such as Dalhousie Square, Esplanade, Sealdah and Khidirpur. |
| 1884 | Steam trams are tried on a Wellington Square to Park Street line. |
| 1900 to 1902 | Electrification begins; Khidirpur and Kalighat routes are electrified in 1902. |
| 1903 to 1910 | Shyambazar terminus, Howrah-side routes and other lines are added. |
| 1970s to 1990s | Some routes close, including sections affected by Metro construction. |
| 2011 onwards | More closures; the Behala to Joka line is shut for Metro work. |
| 2019 to 2020 | Several routes close, including some in the north. |
| August 2024 | A newspaper report says the state plans to keep only one heritage line near the race course. |
The dates above come from a tram-history compilation by Urban Rail and news reports. Some sources disagree on minor details, so treat the table as a summary rather than a final record.
The horse tram era
Calcutta was one of the first cities in Asia to have trams. In 1873 a small horse-drawn line opened and ran only a short time. A more lasting system began in 1880 when the Calcutta Tramways Company was formed, and routes quickly linked the business district, Esplanade, the Sealdah railway area and the docks. Horse trams were slow and the horses needed care, so the company soon looked for better options.
Steam and then electricity
Steam trams were tried in the 1880s, but they did not become the main mode. Electrification began around 1900, and by 1902 some key routes were electric. Within a few years, most of the system was converted. By the early 20th century the tram network reached from Kidderpore and Kalighat to Shyambazar and the Howrah side. It was cheap, regular and a normal part of daily travel for clerks, students and shoppers.
The golden years
Trams were the people’s transport for much of the century. They carried passengers through the commercial and residential heart of the city and appear in Bengali films, novels and photographs. Many Kolkata residents still remember school trips, office commutes and rainy day rides on the tram. The tram lines also gave the city a distinctive look, with overhead wires and steel rails running alongside bus and car traffic.
Why trams declined
Several factors led to decline. Road traffic grew, and trams, which run on fixed tracks and share the road, were blamed for slowing buses and cars. The Metro construction in the 1970s and later disrupted routes. Maintenance was costly, the fleet aged, and the tram company, which is state-owned, struggled financially. Critics said trams were slow and not suited to modern road use. Supporters argued that trams are non-polluting and a valuable heritage and low-cost option.
A number of routes were closed over the decades. According to the Urban Rail source, closures in 2019 to 2020 included Rajabazar to Ultadanga and Khidirpur to Esplanade, among others. Whether these have reopened is something to confirm locally.
Where things stand
In August 2024, Deccan Herald reported that the West Bengal Transport Department planned to keep just one heritage tram line, near the race course area, after a public interest litigation in the Calcutta High Court. At that time trams were said to run on a few routes, including Tollygunge to Ballygunge, Gariahat to Esplanade and Shyambazar to Esplanade. The proposal drew strong opposition from heritage groups and tram users.
A July 2026 report in The Week describes the tracks as largely silent, a vintage tram running a special Rath Yatra ride from Gariahat to Shyambazar, and the state government commissioning RITES Ltd to assess tracks and depots and identify corridors that could be restored. In short, the future is undecided. Do not assume regular service on any route.
How to ride, if a tram is running
- Check first. Look for current news or ask the Calcutta Tramways Company or the tram users’ association about running routes and timings.
- Find a stop. Tram stops are along the tracks, often near major crossings such as Esplanade, Gariahat and Shyambazar. Look for the route number on the front of the tram.
- Board carefully. Trams are slow but do not wait long. Let passengers get off first and use the designated doors.
- Buy a ticket. A conductor usually sells tickets on board. Fares have historically been very low, but I could not verify current prices; carry small change.
- Women’s seats. Some trams have reserved seats; follow signs.
- Be patient. Trams move slowly, and frequency is limited, so use them as an experience rather than a fast commute.
Tram heritage you can see regardless
Even if you cannot ride, you can see tram infrastructure and related heritage. The tracks and overhead wires are visible in parts of the city. Special decorated trams have been used for events, and some tram-themed cafes and a tram museum or exhibition have been mentioned in news reports; I could not verify their current status, so check before you go. Photography from the road is easy, but be careful around traffic.
Tips for photographers and writers
Early mornings give soft light and empty roads. Shooting from the pavement is safer than standing on the tracks. Be polite when photographing passengers and conductors, and avoid blocking the tram. If you are writing about trams, cite official sources and recent news because the facts change quickly.
What people are asking for
Heritage campaigners, tram users and many residents have asked for the system to be preserved, modernised and run on fewer but better-maintained routes, possibly with a tourism focus. Some have suggested public-private partnerships, as the Calcutta High Court is reported to have noted. The final outcome depends on government decisions, so watch for updates.
Final word
The Kolkata tram is an important part of the city’s history, from horse-drawn cars in the 1880s to electric trams from 1902. Its future is uncertain, but its story is worth knowing. If you plan to ride one, confirm the route and timings first and treat it as a heritage experience rather than a way to cross the city quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did trams start in Kolkata?
A horse tram opened briefly in 1873, and a permanent horse tram system began in 1880.
When did electric trams begin in Kolkata?
Electrification began around 1900, and key routes such as Khidirpur and Kalighat were electric by 1902.
Are trams still running in Kolkata?
Services have been greatly reduced and the future is uncertain. Check current news before planning a ride.
Why did Kolkata trams decline?
Road traffic, Metro construction, ageing equipment and funding problems all played a part.
Is Kolkata the only Indian city with trams?
Yes, it is widely described as the only Indian city with a tram system.
