In January of 2024 I finally fulfilled a lifetime ambition to visit the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Whilst in Northern India I managed to take a look at some other heritage transport delights of this fascinating country.
First stop was former British India capital Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta. The city is full of historic colonial architecture and is home to India’s last tram system. Originally formed of 37 routes, today the system really is on its last legs with just 2 routes operating a sporadic service. The antiquated trams run on standard gauge track, a real rarity in India where the national rail network is mostly 5ft 6 gauge.
Quite how long this dilapidated system can soldier on is anyone’s guess but
