Kolkata: TERI bats for dual-use of trams' overhead power lines
What's the story
A policy research organization has advocated bolstering Kolkata's tram infrastructure, including exploring the possibility of electric buses making use of the same overhead power supply network.
A number of European cities run trams and buses on the same electric overhead wire network, said a top official of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) at an event in Kolkata yesterday.
Here are more details.
Infrastructure
Tram infrastructure in West Bengal should be improved: TERI Director-General
"Tram infrastructure should be improved. The State Government can explore dual-use of tram overhead power supply network, as the same can be shared by electric buses," TERI Director-General Ajay Mathur said on the sidelines of a Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry program.
He was responding to queries on the condition of tram services in Kolkata at a time when Center is promoting e-vehicles.
Information
Kolkatans use public transport for 79% of their trips: Mathur
If the New Delhi-based energy and resources institute is approached, it can undertake a detailed study for the better use of the Kolkata's tram infrastructure, said Mathur. He added, according to a finding, Kolkatans use different modes of public transport for 79% of their trips.
Plans
West Bengal government to procure 60-80 electric buses
In a bid to promote electric transportation to control emissions, the Department of Heavy Industries, under the FAME-1 scheme, had recently selected 11 cities for providing a subsidy to procure electric vehicles on a pilot basis.
A senior official of the West Bengal Government said around 60-80 electric buses would be procured, 60% of which will be funded by the Center.