Kolkata: The state government plans to revamp Kolkata’s tram services by introducing lightweight, modern trams similar to those operating in Australia and is commissioning a study to revive routes that have been curtailed in recent years, transport minister Arjun Singh said on Tuesday.
Ruling out the possibility of driving out trams from the city’s commute network as the previous government had attempted, Singh said the new government is committed to bringing back pollution-free trams as a key mode of public transport. Tram enthusiasts, who have long campaigned for the revival of the network, have welcomed the move.
“There is no question of discontinuing trams. We aim to revitalize the service. Currently, trams operate on only two routes. We will conduct a survey to identify other viable routes,” Singh said.
Among the first routes that the government wants to restore is Esplanade-Kidderpore through the Maidan. The route has long been popular for its ride through the city’s green stretches and is closely associated with the heritage of Kolkata’s tram network.
Kolkata’s tram system, which dates back to 1873, is more than 153 years old and is the oldest operating tram network in Asia. At present, trams operate only on a limited scale on the Esplanade-Shyambazar and Esplanade-Gariahat routes.
“There were some proposals from Australia and we are going to consult them and conduct a study on how trams in Kolkata can be revitalised,” he said.
Singh said many trams lying in depots have become unfit for service because of poor maintenance. Repairing old trams could be expensive, he said, adding the government may consider procuring new lightweight trams from abroad. The minister alleged that unplanned expenditure and corrupt practices under the previous regime had burdened the department and contributed to losses.
