Kolkata is set to revive its heritage tram system under the new BJP government, with plans to relaunch trams on 70 historical routes, a significant expansion from the current two operational routes. Transport minister Arjun Singh announced that RITES will conduct a survey for these routes, and the new battery-operated, air-conditioned trams will run on the left side of the road, unlike the previous government's practice. A proposed heritage route will connect Dakshineshwar and Kalighat, and a new route is planned for New Town, while College Street is slated for a pedestrian-friendly revamp inspired by London's Oxford Street, allowing only trams, battery-operated cars, and cycles. The Calcutta Tram Users Association has welcomed the initiative, offering collaboration with the government to reintroduce the environmentally friendly and congestion-free transport mode.

Kolkata is set to revive its heritage tram system under the new BJP government, with plans to relaunch trams on 70 historical routes, a significant expansion from the current two operational routes. Transport minister Arjun Singh announced that RITES will conduct a survey for these routes, and the new battery-operated, air-conditioned trams will run on the left side of the road, unlike the previous government's practice. A proposed heritage route will connect Dakshineshwar and Kalighat, and a new route is planned for New Town, while College Street is slated for a pedestrian-friendly revamp inspired by London's Oxford Street, allowing only trams, battery-operated cars, and cycles. The Calcutta Tram Users Association has welcomed the initiative, offering collaboration with the government to reintroduce the environmentally friendly and congestion-free transport mode.

Kolkata is set to revive its heritage tram system under the new BJP government, with plans to relaunch trams on 70 historical routes, a significant expansion from the current two operational routes. Transport minister Arjun Singh announced that RITES will conduct a survey for these routes, and the new battery-operated, air-conditioned trams will run on the left side of the road, unlike the previous government's practice. A proposed heritage route will connect Dakshineshwar and Kalighat, and a new route is planned for New Town, while College Street is slated for a pedestrian-friendly revamp inspired by London's Oxford Street, allowing only trams, battery-operated cars, and cycles. The Calcutta Tram Users Association has welcomed the initiative, offering collaboration with the government to reintroduce the environmentally friendly and congestion-free transport mode.

Kolkata is set to get their iconic trams back on the streets to remind the city of the heritage transport system from the days of the British rule. West Bengal transport minister Arjun Singh said they will ask RITES, a Navratna PSU under Ministry of Railways, to conduct a survey for tram routes to operate on the streets.

Unlike during the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government’s time when trams used to run in the middle of road, the BJP government will make trams run on the left side of the road. “We will run the new battery operated system with no overhead wires.” Said Arjun Singh.

ALSO READ: Photo feature: Silence of the trams

The trams will be air-conditioned and there will be a heritage tram route from Dakshineshwar to Kalighat, both of which have Kali temples. Singh also proposed a new route for New Town area.

The state government has decides to run on all the 70 routes that existed during the Left Front rule. “The government has decided that as of now, 70 routes will be operational. There could be obstacles due to footpaths being occupied, we are looking into it,” added Singh.

Currently, there are only two tram routes in the city from Gariahat to Dharamtala and Dharmatala to Shyambazar. During the Left Front government, the running of trams declined as it was believed that trams created chaos and does not adapt to the city scape. That is set to change now with the saffron party’s initiative to make them seen on the roads back again.

There are 23 tram drivers and 24 tram conductors on two routes currently operating eight to 10 trains between 6 am and 9 pm. However, there is no proper schedule with trams not leaving on time.

Members of the Calcutta Tram Users Association (CTUA) say they are willing to sit with the government to chalk out modalities to bring back trams on the road. “We have conducted surveys of routes and now that it is coming from the ministry, it is a good sign,” said Swarnabha Mukherjee, member CTUA. Mukherjee also blames the erstwhile TMC government for reducing trams on the roads.

Another member, Abhinav Mukerjee, also lauded the state government’s decision to make College Street a no-vehicle zone except for trams, battery operated cars and cycles. “Other ministers too are working towards a better Kolkata. Trams do not contribute to congestion. They are a safe and smooth mode of transport if implemented properly,” he said.

College Street to get a facelift

Earlier in the day, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs minister Agnimitra Paul said there are plans to revamp College Street, which has Calcutta University and Presidency University. “We are trying to set it up like London’s Oxford Street, a booker’s paradise. No vehicles will be allowed. People can cycle in the area. There will be battery operated cars for senior citizens,” said Paul.

College Street is set to get a cobbled look like Oxford Street. All shops will be structured in the same way. The railings and lamp posts will be made in a typical Kolkata style and there will be free Wi-Fi access. Youngsters can read and there will be no loud noise, people will listen to music on their headphones. 

TAGS