About Kolkata Tram :
Kolkata is the only city in India to have a tram transportation network. Started on 24th February 1873, between Sealdah and Armenian Ghat Street, it is one of the oldest means of modern transportation system in West Bengal. Trams are actually light weight rail borne vehicles, running on tracks, primarily on the road. They are also called tramcars, trolleys, trolley cars, or streetcars. The tram service in Kolkata, as rest of the world, was dependent on the horses in the beginning. However, with the introduction of electricity for such purposes, trams became a popular and comfortable medium of transportation in the 20th century. The timings for the tram service are 4.15 am to 11.40 pm. The tram network in Calcutta has been maintained by CTC (Calcutta Tramsway Company) since 1880. The company became a ‘Government of West Bengal undertaking’ in 1951, when the government entered into an agreement with the CTC (Calcutta Tramways Company) and enacted the Calcutta Tramways Act, 1951. The trams even began to be manufactured in India from 1952 onwards. At present, CTC owns 319 trams, out of which 239 are operational. However, right now, there are only 170 of them running on the streets of Calcutta regularly. On an average, a single Kolkata tram carries 900 passengers in a day. The tram runs on 29 routes a day, in two shifts. The sitting capacity of the single deck articulated compartments of Calcutta tram is 60, while the total accommodation capacity of the tram is 200. The tram has 7 depots, at Belgachhia, Rajabazar, Park Circus, Gariahat, Tollygunge, Kalighat, and Kidderpur. There are 11 tram terminals in total, with 7 of them at Shyambazar, Bagbazar, Bidhannagar, Ballygunge, Esplanade, BBD Bagh, and Howrah Bridge. Rajabazar and Tollygunge depot are the largest depots, in terms of the number of tracks and the area covered, while the depot at Kidderpur is the oldest. Kalighat Depot is the smallest tram depot in Kolkata. Esplanade terminus in Kolkata has most tram routes.
General Information about Kolkata :
Location: Kolkata
State: West Bengal
Capital: Kolkata
Language: Bengali, Hindi, English
Temperature: Max 42˚C, Min 27˚C (summer), Max 26˚C, Min 14˚C (winter)
Best Season: September to March
How to Reach Kolkata :
By Air:
Kolkata is well connected by airways, to all the major countries in the world as well as to the key Indian cities. There are regular flights from all the major cities of India, like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai, to the place. Even international destinations, in France, Britain, Holland, Bangladesh, Japan, Singapore, Nepal, Jordan and Thailand, are connected to the Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport of Kolkata. This airport is located at Dumdum, about 15 km away from the main township.
By Rail:
The rail connectivity of Calcutta is also very good. Trains connect the city with all the major cities of India. Super fast trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express ply between Kolkata and Delhi and other nearby places. Kolkata has two major railway stations; one is located in Howrah and the other is at Sealdah, with the former being the stop for majority of the interstate trains.
By Road:
The road connectivity of Kolkata to adjoining areas is also wisely planned. The Esplanade Terminus is the main bus terminal that lies in the heart of the city. From here, you can easily get a bus as well as taxi for travelling to the cities within West Bengal as well as in the neighbouring states. Even road connectivity to Bangladesh is smooth and comfortable, with frequent Bus service.
How to Travel in Kolkata:
For the international tourists, it is always advisable to carry their Indian visa, as it is cumbersome to get one after arriving Carry all your important documents and money If you are travelling alone, don’t publicize it. Incase you happen to lose your passport, immediately lodge a complaint at the police station and also inform your country’s embassy. It is advisable to carry adequate photocopies of your passport, traveller’s checks and insurance. Beware of touts and agents. Make sure that your hotel reservation is done and it is confirmed. To secure your belongings, use a combination lock.