If there’s one sound that echoes the soul of old Kolkata, it’s the gentle chime of a tram bell cutting through the chaos of the city. While many cities have said goodbye to their trams, Kolkata continues to embrace them—not just as transport, but as a part of its living history. One such beautiful ode to this legacy is tucked away near Esplanade: the Smaranika Tram Museum.
What Is Smaranika Tram Museum?
Smaranika isn’t just a museum; it’s an experience—a walk down memory lane inside a fully restored 1938 vintage tram. Set in a static tram car at the Esplanade depot, this museum is a unique tribute to Kolkata’s tram culture. The name “Smaranika” itself means “a souvenir of memories”, and true to that, it captures decades of Kolkata’s tram heritage under one charming little roof (or rather, a tram roof!).
A Museum Inside a Tram? Only in Kolkata!
Unlike your usual four-walled museum, Smaranika is set up inside an actual tramcar, giving you the feeling of being transported—literally and figuratively—back in time. Step inside, and you’re greeted with wooden seats, vintage switchboards, red signal lamps, and conductor’s uniforms that look straight out of a black-and-white Bengali film.
This isn’t a museum where you just stare at artifacts behind glass. You live the history here. You sit where countless passengers once sat, glance out the window at the same city—but through a different time.
The History Behind It
Launched on 29th September 2014, Smaranika was born out of a passionate effort to preserve a fading piece of Kolkata’s identity. The tram car, dating back to 1938, was refurbished and repurposed into a museum after its retirement from active service.
As the metro and modern buses became more common, many tram routes were shut down—including the iconic Dharmatala route. But instead of letting these trams fade into obscurity, this one was lovingly restored to tell its own story.
What You’ll Discover Inside
Here’s what makes Smaranika a must-visit:
- 🖼 Historical Photographs – From black-and-white shots of Chowringhee Road to rare images of the first horse-drawn trams.
- 🚋 Old Tram Equipment – Signal lamps, fare boxes, hand-written ticket books, even the uniforms conductors wore decades ago.
- 📜 Timelines & Stories – Panels that detail how the tram system evolved—from the 1800s horse-drawn era to the modern electric trams.
- 🍵 Onboard Café – Yes, you can sip on a cup of tea or grab a quick snack inside the tram. It’s like having chai inside history!
Why Smaranika Should Be on Your Kolkata Bucket List
For most Kolkatans, trams are more than just a ride. They’re tied to college memories, old love stories, daily commutes, and poetry. Smaranika is one of those rare places that preserves all of that, not in textbooks but in a tangible, touchable way.
Whether you’re a local or someone visiting Kolkata, this museum will give you a deep appreciation for how the city moves—and how it remembers.
Plus, let’s be honest: Where else can you visit a tram museum inside a tram?
Visitor Information
📍 Location: Esplanade Tram Depot, near Curzon Park, Kolkata – 700069
🕐 Timings: 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Closed on Thursdays)
🎟 Entry Fee: ₹10 per person (Yes, the ticket looks like an actual old tram ticket!)
☕ Bonus Tip: Grab a tea at the attached café—highly recommended for the nostalgia vibes.
