A Puja Special Tram has been designed to commemorate Durga Puja’s Unesco heritage tag and to celebrate 150 years of Kolkata Tramways on Friday. The tram is part of an effort to celebrate Puja uniquely, where West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) has collaborated with Asian Paints and XXL Collective. The Puja Special Tram will trundle down the tracks of the city with its beautiful interiors and fabulous exteriors. Kolkata’s iconic trams, dating back to 1873, are a symbol of the city’s heritage and charm. To celebrate this milestone, the Special Tram will run from Tollygunge to Ballygunge with a remarkable makeover coinciding with Kolkata’s most important month of celebrations. The tram on the Tollygunge route covers all the famous areas known to have historic and large Durga Puja pandals, making it the ideal choice for this transformation
Official Press Release
The exteriors of the first compartment capture the hand-painted artwork honouring Kumartuli – the traditional potters’ locality in north Kolkata where Durga idols are sculpted. It also encapsulates ‘sindoor khela’ and ‘dhunuchi dance’. It also highlights the unique stories featured in the current season of ‘People of Puja’ – a visually impaired artist who has commendable skills and women ‘dhakis’ who challenge the masculine stronghold of the performing arts. The makeover includes Puja decor with cane installations, ‘alpona’ art, and a museum-style visual narrative. Interactive elements and QR codes engage visitors with ‘People of Puja’ stories, allowing passengers to explore the stories of the people behind Durga Puja festivities as they enjoy the tram ride
Official Press Release
Stepping into the second compartment transports passengers to a heritage Kolkata location, mirroring the luxurious appeal Kolkata. The exteriors are inspired by West Bengal’s culture and landmarks, featuring augmented reality elements. The artwork on this bogie reflects the dramatic elements of famous Puja symbols. As styles, trends, and attitudes evolve over the decades, one thing has remained constant in West Bengal — the spirit of celebration. The Tram symbolises a commitment to nurturing, inspiring, and championing creativity and aesthetic excellence in Durga Puja pandals
Official Press Release
At the inaugural event graced by actors Abir Chatterjee and Sohini Sarkar (in picture), WBTC chairman Madan Mitra said: ‘WBTC has collaborated with Asian Paints who conduct Sharad Samman in Kolkata. This is a tribute to the city’s Puja spirit and the heritage of city, the tram. My best wishes go to the entire team which has given its best efforts to this Puja Special Tram’
Official Press Release
