"Uncertain Future for Kolkata Trams: Will the Iconic Mode of Transportation Survive or Die?"

The future of Kolkata trams, also known as Calcutta trams, has been a topic of debate and concern for many years. Kolkata is one of the few cities in the world that still has a functional tram network, but the question remains whether this iconic mode of transportation will survive or die.

To answer this question, it is important to look at the history and current state of the Kolkata tram network. The first tram in Kolkata was introduced in 1873, and it quickly became a popular mode of transportation for the city's residents. The network expanded rapidly, and at its peak, it covered over 65 miles with more than 300 trams in operation.

However, the advent of motorized transportation, particularly buses and cars, led to a decline in the popularity of trams. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Kolkata tram network was significantly reduced, and by the 1990s, it covered only a small area in the city centre. The network has since been expanded slightly, but it still covers only a limited area, and the number of trams in operation has been reduced to around 140.

Despite this, there are still many people in Kolkata who have a strong attachment to trams and consider them an important part of the city's cultural heritage. The Kolkata tram network is also seen as an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, as trams do not emit pollutants and can operate on renewable energy.

To ensure the survival of the Kolkata tram network, several steps have been taken in recent years. The trams have been modernized with air-conditioning and other amenities, and efforts have been made to improve the infrastructure, including the construction of dedicated tram lanes. The government has also announced plans to expand the network, although progress has been slow due to funding constraints.

However, there are also significant challenges facing the Kolkata tram network. The trams are old, and maintenance can be expensive. The network is also limited in scope and does not cover many areas of the city, which reduces its usefulness as a mode of transportation. Additionally, competition from other modes of transportation, including buses and taxis, makes it difficult for trams to remain competitive.

In conclusion, the future of Kolkata's trams is uncertain. While efforts have been made to modernize and expand the network, there are significant challenges that need to be addressed for the network to survive. Whether the Kolkata tram network dies or not will depend on the willingness of the government to invest in modernizing and expanding the network, as well as the people's willingness to continue using trams as a mode of transportation.