On Thursday, September 26, 2024, there were many people at the Shyam Bazar tram depot. Dozens of protesters gathered in the pouring rain to voice their opposition to the West Bengal government’s plan to close the famous Kolkata tram.
Many men and women, including members of the Calcutta Tram Users’ Association (CTUA), took part in the demonstration, which was organised by the general public under the slogan “Save Heritage, Save Tram.” To save the tram, people on Facebook have been pleading with their friends to participate in the demonstration.
As per Hindu, CTUA president Debasish Bhattacharyya quoted, “This was the first time we attended to protest meet that wasn’t called by any particular organisation or political outfit. And this was the first time we participated in a meeting while it was raining heavily — we all got drenched, but we had to be there. We took out a short protest march, we spoke to the crowd from the top of a van, and there was also a street play. This is the beginning of the display of public anger.”
The people of West Bengal, Mr. Bhattacharyya said the assembly, had chosen the current government to administer the State apparatus correctly and had entrusted the transport department with the responsibility of maintaining and operating the tramway. He also added, “But the tramway sabotage shows that the West Bengal Transport Corporation fell victim to a sick and distorted mentality.”
Legally speaking, the Calcutta High Court currently has jurisdiction over the tram’s future. In June 2023, the court established an advisory committee and requested a report outlining potential maintenance, preservation, and restoration strategies.
Snehasis Chakraborty, the state’s minister of transportation, had stated earlier this week that the government would inform the court that it would eliminate the tram while keeping one route open for tourism. This statement sparked a massive social media outcry and Thursday i.e., September 26, 2024 rainy afternoon protest.