Tram ride for elders makes for a happy Valentine

Kolkata: For six elderly couples in Kolkata, tram on Tuesday took them out on a joy ride on Valentine, marking the celebration in a memorable way.

The journey from Esplanade to Chitpore, organised by an event management company Mintlime, the beautifully decked one bogey Balaka offered a ride that they would remember at least until the next day for the lovers arrives next year.

“Trams are an integral part of Kolkata since the British era and the elderly have different memories of this heritage transport. It is a stride on our part to make them feel that the city cares for them. There is hardly any event  in the city that involves the elderly couples. So we planned this event,” Rumi Borah, Mintlime founder, said.

The journey began after a rampwalk at the Esplanade tram depot. As ‘Balaka’ trundled along, antakshari and tales of experience filled the conversations.

Sankar Dutta and Anjali Dutta of Tollygunge were delighted. “We have been married for 34 years and have shared so many happy moments together. But celebrating the Valentine’s Day like this is worth remembering,” Mr Dutta said.

Married for 42 years, Goarachand Dutta and Sabita Dutta of Kasba rarely recall using a tram. “But it is our heritage and we feel trams will stay forever,” Ms Dutta said.