Transport Vision: Kalighat to Dakshineswar Tram Line Planned to Reduce Traffic Jams
IIE DIGITAL: The West Bengal government has announced plans to introduce a new tram service connecting Kolkata's two famous temples, Kalighat and Dakshineswar. The move is aimed at improving connectivity for devotees while reducing traffic congestion in the city. Transport Minister Arjun Singh said the new tram line will not run through the middle of the road as it did in the past. Instead, it will operate along the left side of the road with the new tracks being laid for the service. The government also plans to introduce modern air conditioned trams on the route.
The announcement was made during a business chamber event at a hotel on Park Street. Speaking at the programme, the minister said the tram route will directly connect the Kalighat and Dakshineswar temples by making travel easier for thousands of pilgrims and tourists. Arjun Singh also revealed that the government is planning to expand tram services to New Town and Salt Lake as part of a larger effort to improve Kolkata's public transport network. Along with expanding the tram network, the state government has decided to strengthen its bus services. The Transport Minister announced that 470 new government buses will be added to the fleet. These buses will operate alongside the existing ones to improve public transport across the state.
After coming to power, the BJP government fulfilled its election promise by making travel on government buses free for women. Following that decision, there were growing demands to increase the number of government buses. The announcement of 470 new buses is expected to address that demand.
The government has also begun efforts to revive Kolkata's historic tram network, which has been a part of the city's identity for more than 150 years. To prepare a revival plan, the state has appointed RITES to conduct a detailed survey. The survey officially began today.
The government is also exploring the possibility of introducing tram services in Salt Lake, New Town and Rajarhat. As part of the revival project, the proposed Kalighat to Dakshineswar tram line is expected to become one of the city's key transport corridors.
Many people believe that traditional tram routes cause traffic congestion because they run in the middle of busy roads. To solve this problem, the new tram service will run along the left side of the road instead. According to the Transport Minister, work on laying the new tracks will begin soon.
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