Red Tram Shaheed Minar Coffee Mug

The iconic red trams of Kolkata represent one of Asia’s oldest operational electric tramways, in service since 1902 (with horse-drawn cars starting in 1873). Operating under the West Bengal Transport Corporation, these heritage vehicles primarily serve, or have recently served, routes like Esplanade-Shyambazar and Gariahat. They are known as an affordable, eco-friendly, and slow-paced mode of transport, though facing decline and potential closure due to modernization. 

The Shaheed Minar in Kolkata, formerly the Ochterlony Monument, is a 157-foot-tall historic tower in the Esplanade area,built in 1828 to honor British East India Company commander Sir David Ochterlony. Renamed in 1969 to honor Indian freedom fighters, it’s known for its unique mix of Indo-Saracenic and Moorish architecture, featuring Egyptian, Syrian, and Turkish styles, and offers panoramic city views from its balconies after climbing 223 steps, serving as a significant landmark and symbol of sacrifice.