ABC mentions gunzels in item linking Melbourne and Kolkata trams

[David McLoughlin]

An ABC item today looks at the semi-official "Tramjatra" link between the tramway staff in Mebourne and in Kolkata.

A Kolkata tram users group is taking taking court action to try to stop the trams being axed completely (after years of decline).

But the ABC doesn't seem to realise that trams have been back in fashion for 35 years now around the world. The article says:

"Mr D'Andrea believes there is much to learn from the emphasis on sustainability that has shielded Melbourne from a global decline in trams."

The decline actually ended in the 1970s; in recent years trams have returned to scores of cities. New systems have even opened in Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle and the Gold Coast. Does the ABC know this?

The article does mention that two (of many more) British cities have brought trams back and that Helsinki recently ordered some new trams, but Helsinki has been getting new trams for decades, as has Melbourne and many scores of other cities.

However(and this is the reason for my post here), the ABC has discovered gunzels. The article also says:

"The Tramjatra festival recognises the cultural significance of trams in both cities and involves performing conductors, decorated trams, and public forums bringing together tram enthusiasts, known as gunzels, from the two continents."

Read it and weep.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-07/melbourne-tram-enthusiasts-fight-to-save-kolkata-tram-network/106204938

[Jeremy Wainwright]

The ABC has reported on tram developments in Canberra, Adelaide, Sydney and Gold Coast, so more knowledge can be imputed to it than this report suggests. The myth that Melbourne is the only place in the world with trams is underscored by the plethora (fun for fans) of commercial postcards on the tram theme available there. I was astounded back in 2008 to see one featuring the Oporto car!

JWW

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From: tramsdo...@googlegroups.com <tramsdo...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of David McLoughlin <mcloug...@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, 8 January 2026 15:59
To: TramsDownUnder <tramsdo...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [TramsDownUnder] ABC mentions gunzels in item linking Melbourne and Kolkata trams

 

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[Kiwi Sand Pounder]

Kinda frustrating that the Melbourne tram enthusiasts are apparently kicking a stink up over an Indian Tramway looking at closing but when the Wellington NZ Trolleybus Network was being decommissioned a few years ago it was radio silence! C'mon, support us Kiwi heathen Brethren!

Not to worry though as us Kiwis have just discovered overhead stationary charging for electric busses. I give it a decade and we will go back to Trolleybusses and (hopefully!) Trams.

I guess in ABC's eyes us Kiwis don't have a not insignificant collection on the Christchurch City loop and a decent amount at Ferrymead!