Kolkata Tram Service Latest Update: The West Bengal government is planning to bring trams from abroad. According to the Transport Department, it is being investigated whether light and modern trams can be introduced in Kolkata like the ones run in Australia. At the same time, the state government is giving special emphasis to strengthening the tram service in Kolkata, according to the Transport Department. Transport Minister Arjun Singh said, ‘There is no question of withdrawing the tram. Rather, we will revive my (tram) service. Currently, trams are running on only two routes. We will conduct a survey to see which other routes it will be possible to run trams on.’
Tram destroyed by dumping, explosives minister
He said that due to the extreme negligence of the Mamata Banerjee government, many trams have been damaged while lying in the depot. Since the maintenance has been delayed, those trams cannot be put back on the road. Even if they are repaired, it will cost a lot. In that situation, the purchase of light and modern trams is being considered as an alternative.
Tram proposal comes from Australia
In that vein, he said, “A few proposals have come from Australia. We will discuss with them. We will also conduct a study on how to revive the tram system in Kolkata.”
Will trams be launched on the Esplanade-Khidirpur route?
Currently, trams are practically running on only two routes in Kolkata (Esplanade-Shyamabazar route and Esplanade-Gariahat route). According to sources in the transport department, one of the routes on which the state government is planning to return trams after the change of power is Esplanade-Khidirpur. That tram tour through the green surroundings of the Maidan was very interesting. But later it was withdrawn.
And the concerned quarters have pointed fingers at the Mamata government for the plight of the tram. Tram lovers claim that despite being environment-friendly, the Mamata government has practically strangled the tram to death. Kolkata’s relationship with the tram service began in 1853. Kolkata also has the oldest functioning tram in Asia. But tram lovers have alleged that the Mamata government has made all kinds of arrangements to scrap the tram on the pretext of slow-moving vehicles. However, they see a glimmer of hope in what the new government has said so far.
