Recently, a video of trams moving forward went viral on social media. Sharing the video, users claimed that the new BJP government has resumed the tram services in Kolkata. Sharing the video on Instagram, a user wrote, “For decades, Kolkata’s iconic tram network — once called the lifeline of the city’s heritage — was slowly fading away. Routes were suspended, tracks went silent, and many believed the historic trams would soon become nothing more than museum memories.
Now, after years of neglect, the suspended tram service is finally rolling again 🚋🧡
The revival of Kolkata’s tram lines is not just about transport — it’s about preserving the cultural identity and historical soul of the city. From reducing pollution to promoting heritage tourism, this move brings back a symbol that generations of Kolkatans grew up with.
Love or hate the BJP government, but restarting one of Asia’s oldest tram systems is a major step toward restoring Kolkata’s lost legacy. Heritage deserves preservation, not abandonment.”
Instagram Link | Archived Link
However, upon investigation, we discovered that the claim was misleading. The viral video is from Tramjatra. Here’s the fact check.
Fact Check
We started our investigation by taking screenshots from the viral video and conducting a reverse image search. This led us to a clearer version of the video uploaded on the Instagram handle of “Calcutta Tram User Association (CTUA)” on April 21, 2026.
The caption of the video read, “The Baishakhi Tramjatra 2026 arrives at the Esplanade Terminus with all the three decorated trams one by one..
Shot by @tramisane609
15th April, 2026″
This makes it clear that the video predates the new BJP government’s formation in West Bengal.
Moving forward, we found a clarification video by the video owner Deep Das. He said that the claim is misleading. The video is from the Tramjatra 2026 celebrations.
We contacted the Calcutta Tram User Association (CTUA) for further information. They said, “Tram services were already operating on 2 routes. Trams were never suspended in the first place.
Yes, the viral video appears to be from the Tramjatra event organised by us during the Bengali New Year celebrations (Poila Boishakh) in Kolkata. It was essentially a heritage and public-awareness initiative celebrating the city’s tram culture and history, and not an official announcement regarding the full-scale resumption of tram services.
The Tramjatra was not linked to any formal government notification declaring the restoration of Kolkata’s tram network. It was more of a symbolic/cultural event highlighting the importance of trams as a sustainable and heritage mode of transport.
As of now, only a very limited tram operation remains functional in Kolkata, with regular services restricted to a small section of the network. While exact operational status changes occasionally due to maintenance and administrative decisions, the historic network of 50+ routes has largely been dismantled or suspended over the years, now only 2 Tram routes are operating.
Regarding any official announcements: we are not aware of any official declaration from the central government confirming a concrete revival or expansion plan for Kolkata trams. Individual political leaders from different parties have, at times, expressed support for preserving trams as eco-friendly transport, but no large-scale revival policy has yet been implemented on the ground.
There have also been discussions from various authorities about preserving select tram corridors for heritage tourism and limited mobility purposes. However, no comprehensive execution plan for the restoration of the wider network has materialised so far.
Leaders across political lines, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have spoken about the importance of reviving tram systems as a sustainable mode of urban transport. We at CTUA continue to demand the restoration and modernisation of Kolkata’s tramways, with support and attention from voices such as Swapan Dasgupta and Agnimitra Paul.
In an era of rising fuel costs, pollution, and climate concerns, trams are not a nostalgic luxury they are a necessity for the future of Indian cities. Our advocacy will continue for a modern, reliable tram network integrated with metro, bus, and ferry systems to create a truly sustainable and accessible public transport ecosystem.
We are always ready to cooperate and contribute ideas for the development and revival of the tramway system for future generations.”
Conclusion
From our investigation, we can say that the claim is misleading. The video predates the formation of the BJP government in West Bengal. The viral video is from the Tramjatra 2026 celebrations.
Title: BJP Government Resumed The Historic Tram Services In Kolkata? Here’s The Fact Check.
Fact Check By: Debanjana Baishya
Result: Misleading
