West Bengal transport minister Firhad Hakim told the Assembly on Thursday that the state government was mulling over a proposal to phase out trams from the congested routes in Kolkata, thus retaining the electricity-propelled public vehicle only for the wider stretches of the city.
Replying to a question in the Assembly, he said the government is in favour of running the environment friendly streetcar along routes such as Khidderpore-Esplanade, but not on the narrow stretches intersecting busy roads such as Rabindra Sarani, as it could lead to 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," Mr Hakim explained.
He later told reporters that one such trolley bus was being sourced from Europe for trial run.
Mr Hakim also pointed out that the production cost of electric vehicles might be half of that incurred for fuel-driven ones, but the lithium batteries used in those vehicles raise the overall expenses .
"We hope to undertake a study and arrive at a decision on the project in a year's time," he maintained.
The minister further said that the Centre should have entered into an agreement with countries that can supply Lithium mineral at a low cost.
"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," Mr Hakim told reporters.
By March 2023, the department would also bring in 400 new electric buses and another 800 other buses by 2024, the transport minister stated.
"We are also planning to give out buses under possession of West Bengal Transport Corporation on lease to private parties," he added.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
"Had No Intention To Hurt Anyone": Bengal Minister On Row Over His Remarks Row Over Mamata Banerjee Aide's Remarks, BJP Alleges Appeasement Politics US Woman Accidentally Leaves Husband's Ashes On Tram: "Piece Of Me Is Missing" Video: Woman Tries To Jump Off Mumbai's Atal Setu, Saved By Driver, Cops Parents Gave Names Of Interns, Doctors To CBI In Kolkata Horror: Sources Doctors Begin 24-Hour Nationwide Strike Over Kolkata Rape-Murder: 10 Points Sunita Williams Stuck In Space: What 6 Months Can Do To Perception Of Time AIIMS Raipur Recruitment 2024: Applications Begin For 82 Positions Joe Biden Exit To Kamala Harris Endorsement: Wildest Month Ahead Of US Polls Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.