The Kolkata tram is the city’s oldest surviving form of public transport, and you can still ride one in 2026, though on a far smaller network than in its heyday. Horse-drawn trams first ran in 1873, and the first electric tram ran from Esplanade to Kidderpore on 27 March 1902. Today only a few routes operate, mostly from the Esplanade terminus, with Shyambazar to Esplanade and Gariahat to Esplanade the best known. Reports put daily operations at around 20 cars, so services are infrequent and slow, and route status can change. Treat any timetable as a guide and check at the terminus before you plan around it. A tram ride costs only a fraction of a taxi or metro fare, which makes it an inexpensive heritage experience when you are not in a hurry. This guide covers the routes, the history, how to ride and what the revival plans mean.
Where Can You Ride a Kolkata Tram Today?
Most surviving Kolkata tram routes start or end at Esplanade, the central terminus close to the Metro interchange and the New Market area. The two services most often named are Route 5 (Shyambazar to Esplanade, roughly 5 km) and Route 25 (Gariahat to Esplanade, roughly 9 km). Some sources also list other routes, such as Tollygunge to Esplanade, as running at times, while services like Tollygunge to Ballygunge were suspended in 2024. Because the network has been shrinking and is under review, the safest approach is to ask the staff at Esplanade which tram is running when you arrive.
If you only want the experience rather than a commute, the Gariahat to Esplanade line passes through busy south and central Kolkata and gives a slow, street-level view of the city that the metro cannot. Pair it with a visit to Gariahat for sarees and jewellery or with Esplanade street shopping at the other end.
A Short History of the Kolkata Tram
Horse-drawn trams began on 24 February 1873 between Sealdah and Armenian Ghat Street, but that first service stopped within months. A permanent horse-tram service reopened on 1 November 1880. Electrification followed, and the first electric tram ran on 27 March 1902 from Esplanade to Kidderpore. Kolkata’s tramway is commonly described as the oldest operating electric tramway in Asia and is the only tramway still running in India.
For decades the tram carried office-goers, students and shoppers across the city. Growth of buses, the Kolkata Metro and road traffic reduced its role, and many routes closed over time, including the Kidderpore to Esplanade line through the Maidan in 2020.
How to Ride a Kolkata Tram: Tickets, Timing and Etiquette
Riding is simple. Board at the terminus or at a marked stop, find a seat, and a conductor will come to issue a ticket. Fares are low and set by the operator, so confirm the current amount with the conductor and carry small change. Trams move at a slow pace in mixed traffic, so a short stretch of a few stops is plenty for a first ride.
A few practical tips make the ride smoother:
- Travel outside peak office hours when cars are less crowded and photography is easier.
- Keep bags in front of you and hold on when the tram starts and stops, as the movement can be jerky.
- Do not rely on a tram to reach a train or flight on time, because delays from road traffic are common.
- Check the weather: heavy monsoon rain can disrupt services, as covered in our monsoon commute guide.
Smaranika Tram Museum at Esplanade
The Smaranika Tram Museum sits inside the Esplanade terminus. It opened in 2014 in a restored 1945 L Class tram and tells the story of the network through photographs and displays. One section of the car has been converted into a small cafe, which is a pleasant stop if you want to see the heritage side of the tram without riding. Opening hours can change, so check locally before you go.
Tram vs Metro vs Bus: Which Should You Choose?
If your goal is to get somewhere quickly, the metro is the better choice. Our complete guide to getting around Kolkata compares the metro, bus, ferry and auto, and the best commuting apps help with live planning. Choose the tram when you want a slow, scenic and very cheap ride, a photograph, or a nostalgic experience. Combine it with a ferry ride from Prinsep Ghat or a walk through College Street for a relaxed heritage day.
The Future of the Kolkata Tram
The tram’s future has been debated for years. In 2024 the state transport department proposed ending most routes and keeping a single heritage line near the Race Course, which drew strong opposition from conservationists, and a related court case followed. A planned heritage stretch was halted by a Calcutta High Court ruling in January 2025. In 2026 the new state government announced a revival, with plans that include modern air-conditioned trams and a technical survey. Detailed plans and timelines have not been widely published, so check recent news before relying on any new service. For background, see the overview of trams in Kolkata.
Kolkata Tram FAQ
Are trams still running in Kolkata?
Yes, a limited number of tram routes still operate, mainly from Esplanade, though the network is much smaller than in the past and may change.
Where is the main Kolkata tram terminus?
Esplanade is the central terminus, close to the Esplanade Metro station and the New Market area.
How much does a Kolkata tram ticket cost?
Fares are very low compared with other transport. Confirm the current price with the conductor, as it can be revised.
Is the Kolkata tram the oldest in Asia?
It is widely described as the oldest operating electric tramway in Asia, with electric service starting in 1902, and it is the only tramway still running in India.
Is there a tram museum in Kolkata?
Yes, the Smaranika Tram Museum at the Esplanade terminus is set in a restored 1945 tram and includes a small cafe section.
