Tram services in Kolkata
West Bengal government plans to discontinue most routes due to increasing traffic congestion.Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty announced that only the heritage route between Esplanade and Maidan will remain operational, aimed at providing a nostalgic experience for passengers. This decision has sparked significant backlash from locals who view the trams as a vital part of Kolkata's cultural heritage, with protests already planned against the discontinuation. Many advocates suggest modernizing the service instead of shutting it down entirely The discontinuation of tram services in Kolkata could negatively impact air quality. While the government argues that removing trams will reduce traffic congestion and thus lower emissions from idling vehicles, trams are a non-polluting mode of transport. They contribute to reduced reliance on personal vehicles, which are major sources of air pollution. Studies indicate that public transportation, including trams, significantly decreases