Smaranika Tram Museum
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Lots & lots can be done to make this attractive and a world class tram museum. As only a few cities around the world have tramcar system of transportation, and Kolkata figuring in that rarity although with only two routes operative, a well planned tram museum would attract hordes of tourists and tram lovers. First of all, the approach is not well identified from Dharmatola or Esplanade East side. After asking around, you spot a small garden with two tram bogies, in which the museum is housed. Practically, only the second bogey has been used for displays while the first bogey is entrance cum tea stall. The garden has stray dogs running around and festoon of washed undergarments hung out to dry. Your nose will accost the smell of stale urine in that compound. There are two tram bogeys in the adjacent, which have been taken over by vagabonds and we were forbidden to enter there. The exhibits are very less in number, unorganised and not properly lit to be called a museum. During my college and university days at Kolkata, I used to regularly ride on trams plying in various routes, sometimes just for the fun and to gaze out of the wide wooden windows and get lost in daydreaming. So, I have a special affection for trams and want that they should make a comeback as a cheap and green mode of public transport, though in a modern version. My suggestion is to totally revamp this museum with help of experts and tramcar lovers, have more exhibits in proper displays, spread out the area of the museum within the erstwhile Curzon Park, beautify the complex with welcome gate and signages, arrange more vintage tramcars from old depots and preferably a ticketed circular joyride every hour within the Curzon Park complex in a tram car.
Pinaki SenguptaPinaki Sengupta
00
The Calcutta Tramways Corporation, or CTC showcases its more than 140 year heritage in the form of Smaranika -Bengali for memorabilia, a tram museum housed inside an actual tram, stationed at the Esplanade Tram Depot. Even though other cities like Mumbai and Delhi had tram services but they were discontinued long time back. Thus it remains the only city in India with an operational tram service. And what a heritage! The first tram service in the city was on the 24th of February of 1873, with a horse drawn tram running between Sealdah and Armenian Ghat Street. The Smaranika tramcar, officially designated CTC-142, was built in 1938, and has been renovated and modified to accommodate a cafeteria in the 1stclass compartment, and a tram museum in the rear, 2nd class compartment. The tram museum housed in the rear compartment of Smaranika is cute and fascinating in equal measure. On display are interesting equipment and gadgets used by the Calcutta Tramways Corporation over the years. Among them is a Coin Exchanger with Punch and Ticket Pockets used in the 1950s by Conductor for giving change of correct denominations to passengers. There are also a large number of tram models. This museum is open to the public from 1.00 pm to 8.00 pm on all days except Thursdays with an Entry Fee of Rs. 10/- only.
Gautam BanerjeeGautam Banerjee
60
Kolkata Smaranika Tram Museum, also known as the Tram World, is a museum dedicated to trams located in Esplanade, Kolkata, India. The museum was established in 2014 with the aim of preserving the history and heritage of the Kolkata tram system, which is the only operating tram system in India. The museum houses a collection of vintage trams, including a horse-drawn tram, which was the first type of tram to operate in Kolkata in 1873. Visitors can take a ride on the vintage trams and learn about the history of the Kolkata tram system. The museum also features a collection of photographs, artifacts, and documents related to the tram system, providing visitors with an insight into the evolution of the system over the years. There are also interactive exhibits that showcase the technology behind trams and how they work. Apart from the exhibits, the museum also hosts various cultural events, including concerts and art exhibitions, providing a platform for local artists to showcase their talent. Overall, the Kolkata Smaranika Tram Museum is a unique museum that offers a glimpse into the history and heritage of the Kolkata tram system. It is an excellent place to visit for anyone interested in the history of transportation or wants to experience a ride on a vintage tram.
Ayan HaldarAyan Haldar
30
Inaugurated in 2014, Smaranika, the tram museum in Kolkata is the brainchild of CTC to preserve the fading history and heritage of tram in Kolkata. The small museum and café is located deep inside Esplanade CTC Depot, very close to the shopping district but away from the chaos of moving traffic. Interestingly the museum has no separate building, but has been thoughtfully housed in an actual retired rolling stock. The particular tram was built in 1938 and belonged to the Bombay Fleet of trams. It has been refurbished at the Nonapukur Workshop in Kolkata, retaining the wooden vintage look of the car. Of the two bogies of the car, the first one is a small café while the second bogie houses the museum and the exhibits. Timing :- Smaranika, the tram museum is open 6 days a week from 1pm to 8 pm daily. On Thursdays the museum remains closed for the entire day. Entry :- To enter the Smaranika compound, which is a beautiful garden with the stationary tram car at the center, one has to buy a ticket of INR 20/- per head. The ticket is designed as an enlarged version of original tram ticket but in thick paper, qualifying itself as a memorabilia! The ticket allows one to stay inside Smaranika for 45 minutes, which is justified since space inside is limited.
Ajoy SikdarAjoy Sikdar
110
“Smaranika”- Kolkata Tram Museum In the midst of the Esplanade Tram Depot, the busy tram lines are converged in a triangular garden where CTC-142 stands forever. It is now a museum and cafeteria, where one can enjoy a cup of tea in the midst of history of Kolkata. The Smaranika tramcar is officially designated CTC-142, was built in 1938. It was renovated and modified to accommodate a cafeteria in the 1st class compartment, and a tram museum in the back compartment, second class compartment. Smaranika tramcar displays the age old and the modern equipment and gadgets used by the Calcutta Tramways Corporation over the years. Among them are the Coin Exchanger with Punch and Ticket Pockets that was used in the 1950s by conductor for giving change of correct denominations to passengers. There are also a large number of tram models such as the Byomkesh Bakshi Tram Car. A double-bogie wooden tram car #567 of the year 1931 was specially modified at CTC Nonapukur Workshop in the year 2013 for shooting of the Hindi film ‘Detective Byomkesh Bakshi’ directed by renowned film director Dibakar Banerjee. There are some more trams nearby which are supposed to be part of museum’s exhibits but are in very poor condition. Some are being used as living quarters!
Vikas SinghVikas Singh
00
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. Smaranika houses documents and paraphernalia which takes one back to those glory days of the Tram. An appealing history of this momentous mode of transport is being presented in a first of its kind exhibition in the city. The small park which hosts the tram is adorned beautifully and graciously to get the feel of the ambience. 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.
Subhashis HalderSubhashis Halder
30
Nearby Attractions Of Smaranika Tram Museum
Maidan
Indian Museum
Eden Gardens
Millennium Park
Nature Park
Tipu Sultan Masjid Kolkata
Metcalfe Hall
Shaheed Minar
Calcutta High Court
Polo Floatel - Kolkata
Maidan
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(65.4K)Click for details
Indian Museum
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(19.6K)Click for details
Eden Gardens
4.6
(16.2K)Click for details
Millennium Park
4.1
(9.9K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Smaranika Tram Museum
Aminia Restaurant
Nizam's Restaurant
Sabir's Hotel
Anand Veg Restaurant
Broadway Bar & Restaurant
Nahoum and Sons Private Limited Confectioners
Hotel Sidheshwari Ashram
The Chutney Co.
New Aliah Hotel
Chitto Babur Dokan
Aminia Restaurant
3.6
(7.3K)Click for details
Nizam's Restaurant
3.9
(4.5K)Click for details
Sabir's Hotel
4.0
(3.8K)Click for details
Anand Veg Restaurant
4.2
(2.6K)Click for details
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Address
6, Esplanade East, Maidan, Esplanade, Bow Barracks, Kolkata, West Bengal 700069, India
Map
Reviews
Overview
4.3
(883 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
accessibility
family friendly
attractions: Maidan, Indian Museum, Eden Gardens, Millennium Park, Nature Park, Tipu Sultan Masjid Kolkata, Metcalfe Hall, Shaheed Minar, Calcutta High Court, Polo Floatel - Kolkata, restaurants: Aminia Restaurant, Nizam's Restaurant, Sabir's Hotel, Anand Veg Restaurant, Broadway Bar & Restaurant, Nahoum and Sons Private Limited Confectioners, Hotel Sidheshwari Ashram, The Chutney Co., New Aliah Hotel, Chitto Babur Dokan
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