In a diametrically opposite move the state government in an affidavit to Calcutta High Court, has informed that it plans to bring back Trams on seven more routes in city. Last month Transport Minister Snehasish Chakraborty had said that Trams will only ply as Heritage on selected stretches and will be removed from other roads where it causes congestion.
At present only three routes- 5: Shyambazar- Esplanade, 25: Gariahat- Esplanade and 24/29: Tollygunge- Ballygunge ply in the city. Resumption of 7 more routes which includes 29: Tollygunge- Esplanade, 24: Ballygunge- Esplanade, 36: Khidirpur- Esplanade, 6: Shyambazar- BBD Bag, 18: Bidhannagar- Howrah Bridge, 17: Bidhannagar- BBD Bag, 16: Bidhannagar- Esplanade, will take the total active routes to ten.
The affidavit was filed by WBTC Managing Director Rajanvir Singh Kapur, which states that the seven routes can be revived once Metro Railway work is over. Metro expansion works on Diamond Harbour Road for Joka- Esplanade line and Mahakaran Station at BBD Bag for Line 2 of Kolkata Metro had disrupted Tram network in South and Central city.
Kapur also said in the affidavit that once RVNL hands over the DH Road stretch to CTC, expected by July 2025 then Kalighat depot and beyond can be revived. Revival of tracks at Kalighat will facilitate movement of Trams from South to Nonapukur Workshop for maintenance and repair of Tram cars, said Kapur in affidavit.
As work for Mahakaran Metro Station has been completed and the site has been handed over to Calcutta Tramways Company which also has floated e-tender for relaying of Tram tracks at BBD Bag and tender for setting up overhead wires at Maidan for Khidirpur route revival is on way.
The affidavit further states, if Kolkata Police allows two way movement through Rabindra Sarani then Galiff Street and Bagbazar lines can be revived too.
