Double Decker Tram In Bombay, 1942 Photo
An old 1942 news photo of the double-decker tram in Bombay, now Mumbai. It appears this is one of the iconic images of the double-decker tram of bygone era Bombay. The location looks to be the Esplanade Road in the Flora Fountain area. Bombay’s tramway first began in 1874 with the launch of horse-driven service.
By 1901 it became very popular and lucrative. That they had to expand with more tracks and locations. More rolling stocks were added to accommodate the growing crowd. The Bombay Electric Supply And Tramway Company (BEST) took over the operations of the Bombay Tramway Company.
This was the same BEST that operates Mumbai’s famous city buses today. Electric trams were finally introduced in Bombay in 1907. This was a game-changer for the service, this could now run larger tram cars and more frequent services. The tram service was so successful that double-decker trams were introduced in 1920. To deal with higher passenger numbers.
By 1935 the demand for tram transport peaked and more tracks had to be laid. During the same period, tram services in other cities were also in full swing, particularly in Delhi, Calcutta, Madras, etc. But by the 1940s the rush tapered since the city also operated the electric suburban trains and buses. Including taxis and other modes of transport. Unfortunately, the charming tramway system shut its doors once and for all in 1964.
Di you know – as recently as 2016 remnants of this once glorious transport system came to light. The tracks were discovered during the road restoration work at Flora Fountain. It was decided to leave it undisturbed.
Previous posts – Vintage Raja Ravi Varma “Shivaji” Oleograph Print., St Joseph’s College Bangalore – Old Postcard 1900., The Madras Iron Pier – Old Print 1863.
The images are of the actual items from my collection. And Not a photocopy, pirated, reproduced, stock photos, or taken from other sources.
