Kolkata hosts tram festival to raise environmental awareness

A tram festival is set to take place in Kolkata from March 28 to 31. The event, organized by Tramjatra, celebrates the importance of trams and the Sunderbans in fighting climate change. During this four-day festival, people can enjoy free rides on a special tram route. Tramjatra was started in 1996 by tram enthusiasts from Melbourne and Kolkata. Filmmaker Mahadeb Shi, a co-founder of the festival, highlighted that the event will focus on the vulnerabilities of the Sunderbans and Kolkata in the face of climate change. The festival will feature artistic performances and discussions aimed at raising awareness about these issues. The West Bengal government has shown little interest in keeping the tram system operational, only maintaining a couple of routes while legal matters are ongoing. The festival aims to send a message to both local residents and the international community about the importance of preserving trams, which offer an eco-friendly transport option. Australian guests, including former tram drivers and design experts, have come to Kolkata to participate. They will engage with local tram users and help decorate the festival space. The West Bengal Transport Corporation is providing support by lending tram and depot space for the event.