Once a symbol of modern urban transport, tram services that ran through the streets of Patna in the late 19th century are being remembered as calls grow for their revival. The demand has gained momentum following recent initiatives by the West Bengal government under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to modernise and revive tram operations in Kolkata.
Tram services in India first began in Kolkata on February 24, 1873. Patna became the third city to introduce trams in 1886, when British businessman William Lloyd launched a horse-drawn service connecting Patna City Chowk to Pirbahor in Bankipur, now known as the Gandhi Maidan area. At the time, the service was seen as a major step towards modernisation, linking the eastern and western parts of the city.
Historian Arun Singh, author of Patna: Forgotten Tales, notes that the project also saw participation from prominent local figures, including philanthropist Qazi Syed Raza Hussain. Their involvement encouraged investments from local businessmen and residents, turning the tram service into a shared civic enterprise.
Tracks were laid along the Ganges, and the service offered both first- and second-class compartments, with fares as low as one anna for general passengers.
Despite a strong start and significant profits in its early years, reportedly generating around Rs 38,000 by the mid-1890s—the service began to decline due to operational inefficiencies. Contemporary accounts from the newspaper Al-Panch highlighted erratic schedules, frequent stoppages and poor management.
In one instance, a tram was reportedly halted mid-route while a British inspector attempted to negotiate the purchase of fish from a vendor, delaying passengers further.
Also read: Last of its kind: Kolkata trams that carry a Bengali legacy
Over time, the service became slow, overcrowded and unreliable. Single-track operations caused delays and occasional derailments, while the absence of proper pedestrian infrastructure contributed to accidents. By 1903, amid mounting losses and competition from more advanced electric tram systems elsewhere, the service was discontinued.
Historians note that several Indian cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Kanpur and Nashik—once operated tram networks, most of which were phased out between 1933 and 1964, leaving Kolkata as the only city where trams continued to run.
Now, with renewed interest in sustainable urban transport, experts and residents in Patna are advocating a revival of the system. Dr B N Prasad of the Anugrah Narayan Singh Research Institute emphasised the need to balance heritage with modernity, suggesting that tram routes along the Ganges, including areas near Golghar, could be redeveloped.
Residents also see tourism potential in such a move.
"We haven't experienced tram rides ourselves, but our ancestors did. Reviving them would reconnect us with our past and attract tourists," said local resident Suman Dhari Sinha, adding that improved connectivity to heritage sites could boost the city's tourism economy.
Environmental concerns are also driving the discussion. As fully electric systems, modern trams offer a zero-emission alternative to conventional transport, potentially easing traffic congestion and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
While no formal proposal has yet been announced by the Bihar government, the growing demand reflects a broader interest in reimagining urban mobility through a blend of history and sustainability.
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