Down memory lane: Tram ride offers heritage tour

Kolkata: With the aim to provide Kolkatans an opportunity to witness  the City of Joy and its heritage sites after the sunset in all its glory, ‘Mintlime’ — an event management company — arranged back-to-back three tram rides in the city on Sunday evening.

Starting from Esplanade area, the tram trundled along Victoria Memorial, Maidan, Eden Gardens, Akashvani, Fort William, Kidderpore.

“We had publicised the event through FM and other medium and the response was overwhelming. This shows clearly that Kolkatans have a nostalgia associated with tram as it is an intrinsic part of our heritage,” Rumi Bora, founder and CEO of Mintlime said.

Septuagenarian Ravi Makaal of New Alipore was thrilled after the ride with his wife Rita Makaal. “You cannot imagine Kolkata without trams. Our grandchildren live in other states. But whenever they come here they would plead me for a ride on the trams,” Mr Makaal said.

Samar Sinha of Kasba said life has become so fast now that we hardly take a tram ride. “Hope this will make us travel slowly in life,” he said with a smile on his face.

The 24-seater AC tram had audio-visual set up to share historical information regarding Kolkata and its heritage. The first ride was free and exclusively for elderly while the next two cost Rs 500 per person. All the occupants were served evening snacks during the journey.