Trams to ply in Delhi again

March 12, 2014

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As a part of the redevelopment plan, trams will be introduced on a 2.5 km long stretch to connect Subash Marg with Fatehpuri Masjid

A file photo of tram playing in Kolkata street. Photo: Indranil Bhoumik/Mint

New Delhi: In a bid to revive the lost heritage of National Capital, Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung has approved a proposal which will pave the way for trams to ply on the streets of Delhi.

First introduced in Delhi on 6 March 1908, at the behest of Viceroy Lord Hardinge, the heritage joyride faded into oblivion in 1960 outdone by growing modern means of transport and the vehicular traffic.

As a part of the redevelopment plan, trams will be introduced on a 2.5-km-long stretch to connect Subash Marg with Fatehpuri Masjid.

“Apart from trams, the proposal involves introducing lanes for non-motorised vehicles and 50% of the area will be reserved for pedestrain pathways. Vehicular traffic will be restricted in the area”, said a senior Delhi government official, adding the proposal was approved last week.

“The tram service will connect the stretch linking Red Fort with Fatehpuri Masjid and will run alongside wide footpaths,” according to sources, techincal partners like Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (DMRC) would be roped in for implementation of the trams project.

The details and designs of the proposal will be submitted to the Unified traffic & Transportation Infrastructure (Planning & Engineering) Centre to be chaired by Lt Governor himself next week.

Tenders will be issued to invite investment proposals in this regard.

The meeting was attended by officials from the Public Works Department, civic bodies and representatives from traders and non-motorised vehicle users of the area.

Trams, which was one of the cheapest means of conveyance, ran from 1908 to 1960. It connected Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazaar. However, trams were discontinued mainly because of space crunch and growing number of vehicles.

Source-http://www.livemint.com/