Kolkata Trams: A nostalgia-driven ride

According to the firm's young founder, Rumi Borah, it was her love for Kolkata trams and the urge to do something for the city's elderly so that they too can enjoy the New Year's Day in style, led to the event.

Although the British introduced trams in India way back in the early 19th century in several Indian cities, only Kolkata has managed to retain this slow-moving but environment-friendly mode of transport albeit with many of the older routes curtailed.

According to media reports, the days of trams in Kolkata are probably numbered and the city may soon lose one of its unique mode of transport.

One of the best ways to ensure that trams in Kolkata survive is to use them to promote tourism and corporate events, said Borah.

According to her, by integrating Kolkata's food and culture with the tram ride, it can be made into an experiential attraction for travellers to Kolkata, from India and abroad.

On Sunday, New Year's day, three special tram rides in the evening were arranged by Mintlime. The first ride, with the senior citizens aboard, was offered free while the next two were charged Rs 500 per head.

The blue-coloured tram, of the Ruapshi series, driven by Chanchal Das, left from the Dharamtala/Espanade depot, trundled along the Maidan and the Race Course, chugged past the docks, made a U-turn inside the Khidderpore Tram Depot and retraced its route.

Seated in the air-conditioned  tram, the senior citizens enjoyed slices of festive Kolkata that passed by their windows -- illuminations, the crowd, the horse buggies, the bustling markets, etc.

One elderly gentleman, who used to reside in Shibpur, Howrah in his younger days, recalled riding the tram across Howrah Bridge. "There used to be single-coach carriages with engines at both ends," he recalled.

Interestingly, the Calcutta Tramways Company continued with its British ownership well after India became independent and was nationalised in 1967.

During the ride, the passengers were served packed meals that included Kolkata's special snack items such as fish chop and vegetable chop and sweets, including 'patishaapta'.

The New Year's evening ride was promoted through digital media but got a huge response, said Borah. They had to turn down requests on the spot, she said.

"We have plans to do this on a bigger scale," she said.

Mintlime plans to hold a road-show in February and April, said Borah.

(Reporting by Uttara Gangopadhyay)