About Kolkata Tram Museum - "Smaranika" in Esplanade CTC Compound, Kolkata

"Smaranika" --- An Exhibition on tram in a tram. A gift from CTC to the tram lovers which presents a unique opportunity to flip through some tickets, passes, badges, caps, uniforms, tram parts, etc used in the yester years. The collection also includes different photographs of trams and its nostalgic association with the City of Joy. It's open to public at Esplanade CTC Compound from 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm on all days except Thursdays with an Entry Fee of Rs. 5/- only. Smaranika houses documents and paraphernalia which takes one back to those glory days of the Tram.
All these can be experienced along with a cup of tea or coffee with snacks in the swanky air-conditioned compartment of the tram which was originally built in 1938 and then refurbished in CTC Nonapukur Workshop in 2014. Tea comes at Rs 5/- while Coffee is served @ Rs 10/- only. One can enjoy Snacks & Soft drinks at MRP as well. The best part is that neither they charge anything extra for AC nor levy taxes for purchasing food items.
Though trams have had baiters with vested interests within the government and outside making covert attempts to scrap the pollution-free mode of transport, there is no denying that this mode of transport lends character to the city and provides instant recognition in photographs. To locate a movie or an advertisement in Kolkata, a glimpse of the ubiquitous tram is a must. In it's hey days, Trams used to ply the streets of Mumbai, Chennai, Kanpur & Delhi as well, but Kolkata is the only Indian city where this eco-friendly mode of transport has survived. Though it has its supporters, there is a perceived disconnect between the slow-moving vehicles and fast-paced urban life. The museum plans to help bridge that gap and evoke a sense of nostalgia and pride.

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