# Calcutta Tram Users Association

The Calcutta Tram Users Association (CTUA) is an apolitical advocacy group formed in December 2016. It was formed during the 20th anniversary Kolkata Melbourne Tramjatra festival and takes its name and inspiration from the Public Transport Users Association in Melbourne. A public meeting of tram enthusiasts was staged in the Esplanade. From humble beginnings, the CTUA has grown into an effective advocacy group to defend and promote the use of Trams in Kolkata.

## Allegations of anti-tram campaigns

Trams in Kolkata are currently operated by the West Bengal Transport Corporation through Calcutta Tramways Company. Members of the CTUA allege that the gradual decline of Kolkata trams, starting in 2011, is due to an anti-tram propaganda campaign run by the government and supported by the automobile and auto-rickshaw lobbys. Since 2011, most Kolkata tramlines have been gradually shut down. Members of the CTUA have also alleged that the Government of West Bengal colluded with the Kolkata Traffic Police and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation in order to suppress tramlines.

## Foundation of CTUA

CTUA under the leadership of its president Dr. Debasish Bhattacharyya, a retired scientist, has been steadfastly advocating for the preservation and revival of trams in Kolkata. Being registered as an independent society, the association emerged as a union of individuals united against the removal of trams from the city.

## Legal advocacy

CTUA, as a society is eligible to take move for legal assistance.

## Public awareness programme

CTUA is advocating to preserve tram system of the city not only in legal advocacy, but also spreading public awareness regarding trams by conducting press meeting, academic seminars and public celebrations.

## Social events

* The 150th birth anniversary of Kolkata Tram was celebrated with a unique tram parade. In this parade a tram car that was first used to provide water and clean the tracks in the 1920s rolled out once more for a day. Later this month, two wooden trams manufactured in the preceding two decades but currently sitting idle in the depots was visible running on the streets of city of joy. The fleet also included double-bogey and air-conditioned trams that are currently in use. They survived World War II, witnessed historical events such as the Bengal famine, communal riots, and the fight for independence, and are now themselves historical artefacts. A week-long celebration of Calcutta Tramways' legacy will be held from 24 February 2023 to 2 March 2023.
* The 151st birth anniversary of Kolkata Tram was celebrated with various cultural events from 20 to 24 February 2024. The event ended up with a street-corner meeting at esplanade tram terminus including public demonstration against recent government policies to phase out this mode of pollution free, low maintenance public transport. In the meeting, president of CTUA, Dr. Debasish Bhattacharya said, "We had a meeting on 13 February when we decided that to celebrate the 151st birthday of the Kolkata tram, we will gather at the Gariahat depot at 10 a.m. on 24 February. Notable people and dignitaries will be invited. It will be more of a cultural event than a direct protest when we will voice our demands through the dignitaries. We will also organise a special tram ride to the Esplanade depot and back. On 15 March afternoon, a street corner meeting will be held at the Esplanade. This will be a pure protest gathering in association with other organisations."
* After a report emerged that the owner and current operating authority of Kolkata Trams, Government of West Bengal was planning to shut down the 151-year-old tramway, except for preserving one route for the purpose of tourism; and considering that it did not deny the report, it is being assumed that the iconic Kolkata tram is soon going to say goodbye to the city and to India. On 25 July 2024, a press conference was held as the union's new move against the possibility of the tram's closure. In this press conference, CTUA president Dr. Debasish Bhattacharya said, "The transport department has completely ignored the guidelines issued by the high court in its order for 'restoration, maintenance, and preservation' of the tramways. The reasons forwarded by the department against tramways are completely imaginary, such as trams slowing down traffic. The sale of team depot lands will be a disaster because, once sold, you won't get back the land. Moreover, heritage of the city is not confined to the Maidan (when the lone route might be preserved for tourism). The Kolkata tramway is a living industrial heritage eligible for UNESCO tag." In that conference, G.M. Kapur, CEO of INTACH(Kolkata Chapter) also said, "There are cities in Europe, Asia, Americas, Australia, Africa, in fact all over the world, where electric trams are either being modernised or being reintroduced, while shockingly, we in Kolkata are doing away with them. What can be the logic behind such a move is not understandable."

## Collaborations

* On World Environment Day, 5 June 2024, when most of India was following the results of the general elections, about 70 tram enthusiasts from CTUA and SwitchOn Foundation gathered in Kolkata to demand restoration of the most environment-friendly mode of urban transport.
* On 25 July 2024, CTUA, in association with INTACH (Kolkata Chapter) held a press conference and public awareness programme criticising government policies to phase out trams from Kolkata streets.