West Bengal govt to phase out trams to decongest traffic on narrow routes

The West Bengal state administration is proposing gradually removing trams from crowded routes, reserving the electricity-powered mode of public transportation for the larger areas of the metropolis.

TN City Desk

Updated Jun 23, 2022, 18:16 IST

Tram representative image

Photo : PTI

Kolkata: The West Bengal state government is considering phasing out trams from the congested routes, keeping the electricity-powered public transportation option solely for the wider sections of the city, according to Firhad Hakim, the transport minister for the state.

In response to a question in the Assembly, he stated that the government supports operating the environmentally friendly tram along routes like Khidderpore-Esplanade but not on the congested sections that crossroads like Rabindra Sarani since it would cause traffic jams.

"In parts where the tram line runs through the middle of a thoroughfare, we have no other option but to phase it out, and probably replace it with new trolley buses which will draw power from the overhead electric wires," Hakim explained.

Hakim further noted that although the cost of producing electric vehicles may be half that of ones powered by petrol, the lithium batteries utilised in those vehicles increase the overall costs.

"We hope to undertake a study and arrive at a decision on the project in a year's time," he maintained.

The minister added that the Center should have made agreements with nations that can provide lithium material at a reasonable price.

"As of now, private parties are importing lithium at a higher cost, which is adding to the overall burden of people. The Centre can have an arrangement with lithium-producing countries which can regulate the price," Hakim told reporters.

The transport minister announced that the department would also import 400 new electric buses by March 2023 and another 800 buses by 2024.

"We are also planning to give out buses under the possession of West Bengal Transport Corporation on lease to private parties," he added.

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