Mount Road & Electric Tram British Era Madras, 1938 Photo
A 1938 photo of the Mount Road and electric tram in British-era Madras (Chennai). Some iconic landmarks are seen, the famous Mount Road, the New Elphinstone Theatre, quaint buildings, and the electric tram, of a bygone British era. The city’s tramway service started operating in 1895 and became the first electrified tramway in India.
See post- Electric Tram & Madras Central Railway Station – Old Photo.
Unfortunately, this popular tram system shut down in 1953. Along with it, the city lost a piece of an endearing charm. The New Elphinstone Theatre opened its doors in 1916, and by the 1970s it was sold off. In its prime, it was the poshest cinema theater in Chennai. The New Elphinstone was demolished by its new promoters, and in its place sprung up the multistoried Raheja complex.
Mount Road, now known as Anna Salai, is the main arterial road of the city. Which connects south of Fort St George all the way to St Thomas Mount. It was once known as the European shopping center during the British era days. It is still a high-end shopping and commercial center today but is heavily crowded with traffic and people.
Read more- When Chennai Travelled at 7 kmph.
Did you know- Sir Francis Spring, the father of modern Madras Port, had the first car (numbered MC1) on its street in 1903.
From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal On Paper (#2)., Tellicherry On The Malabar Coast – Old Print 1922., Antique Map of Salsette Bombay 1893., Cochin Port Trust Office Building – Old Postcard 1950
