Double Decker Tram & Europeans In Bombay, 1942 Photo

A 1942 photo shows an interesting street scene of a double-decker tram with Indians and some Europeans in British era Bombay. Because of the city tram’s immense popularity, double-decker trams were introduced in 1936. The Bombay Tramway originally began with horse-drawn trams, however, by 1907, it switched to Electric trams.

The name Bombay Electric Supply & Tramway Co (Best) replaced the Bombay Tramways Company in 1905. Interestingly, BEST still functions today though devoid of their famous trams. The tramway service was sadly discontinued in 1964, because of congestion in the street and political mismanagement. An American GI soldier is seen crossing the street in the left foreground.

In WWII India was under the British Empire, it naturally aligned with the Allied powers. Around 2,00,000 American GIs landed in India. The primary reason was to supply equipment, fuel, food and logistics to China’s Chiang Kai-Shek’s army. The Chinese troops were fighting against the Japanese in the China-Burma-India (CBI) theater. In the war Bombay was a key logistical hub. After defeating the Japanese in the Battle of Kohima and Imphal the CBI wound up in 1945.

Did you know – the first tram was introduced in Calcutta in 1873, Bombay in 1874, Madras in 1895 and Delhi in 1908. 

Past posts – Elephant Attacking Lion British India, 1837 Watercolour Painting., The French Colonies In India – Vintage Card 1920., Queen Mary At The Taj Mahal, 1911 Print., Taking of The City of Cochin By The Dutch, 1744 Plan.

 

Photo Details

Year -

1942

Photograph Size -

6 x 4 inch

Photographer -

unknown