Aboard the tramway in Madras
This article explores the history of Madras' electric tramway system, which operated from 1895 until the 1950s. It highlights the technological ambition of the city and the historical skepticism from other regions regarding the viability of electric transport in tropical climates.
Why it matters
It provides historical context for urban public transportation development in India and reflects on the evolution of transit infrastructure.
Given that the trams in Madras originated from horse carriages, moved on to monorail, and then became electricity driven, I am convinced that had they survived, they would be battery powered today.
Sadly, the Madras tram never made a profit in its operation. In today’s world of public transport, this would have never been a major consideration but not so then when even as a service it was expected to generate a surplus. It was therefore doomed to failure and after a remarkably long tenure shut shop early in the 1950s leaving behind only memories.
The tram trail - Madras’ own entertainment route
When tram lines were ubiquitous in old Madras
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