‘Come, visit Australia’ reads the front windscreen on the tram that has been decked out to represent the beauty and culture of the country to help promote Australia Tourism in the City of Joy. The tram will trundle across all tram tracks around the city over the next month to portray slices of Australia to Kolkatans in one of the most iconic rides the city has to offer
All photographs by Amit Datta
Raima Sen poses inside the tram. Getting on to a tram after ages, Raima said “It’s been a really long time since I’ve been on a tram. I remember a car would be sent to pick up Riya and me from school but we would send the car home and get on to a tram instead and just look around the city and its people. It feels great to be back on a tram after all these years”
The rear of the tram showcases a map of Australia with different animals and sea creatures representing the diverse map to show the diverse features visitors Down Under will witness. Kangaroos, emus, koalas and even the freshest lobsters for seafood lovers entice prospective holiday-makers to Australia. Apart from the natural offerings of the island country, various pictures can be seen of significant spots of interest across the country
The interior of the tram has been decorated with greenery and animals such as a bear, a kangaroo and a koala to showcase the beauty that Australia’s natural habitat has to offer. Along with the decorations inside the tram, the exterior of the tram is covered with exquisite pictures taken all over the island country to show the beautiful landscape one will be witness upon their trip to Australia, including the Sydney Opera House and various sights across Melbourne and other cities
Hugh Boyland, Raima Sen and Saumitra Mohan pose in front of the tram before hopping on for its opening voyage across the city. “India is Australia’s fastest-growing and second-largest diaspora community – an integral part of Australia’s rich cultural tapestry. India is among the fastest growing markets for Australian tourism. Indians come to Australia to visit family and friends, to study, and to see our wonderful tourist sites. This tram showcases just some of what we have to offer – and I hope it will encourage more people to ‘Come and Say G’day’ and visit Australia,” said Australian consul-general in Kolkata Hugh Boylan
Raima Sen waves goodbye as the tram sets out on its first journey from Esplanade tram depot. Before heading off on the tram ride, Raima said: “I haven’t been to Australia yet and it is on my bucket list. I hope I can witness the wonders of Australia very soon.” Check out the tram and get a glimpse of what Australia has to offer before you head over down under for an awesome vacation
