‘Clear tram tracks of illegal parking’

Kolkata: Vehicles being parked illegally on tram tracks, especially at night, are posing a hurdle for trams.At a time when the new govt assures of revival of tram networks, operators request the authorities and police to keep the tracks free. At present, trams run on only two routes—Esplanade-Gariahat and Esplanade-Shyambazar. Operators pointed out that they faced trouble especially on central Kolkata stretches, such as Lenin Sarani, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road and Nirmal Chunder Street.They said motorists and mini-truck drivers parked their vehicles on tram tracks and disappeared at night, as a result of which they got stranded. On Thursday night, a Gariahat-bound tram remained stuck for nearly half-an-hour between Chandni Market and Wellington Square on Lenin Sarani as a private car blocked the tracks and the driver could not be found for several minutes, said an operator. Commuters were forced to alight and join the tram driver and conductor in search for the elusive motorist.“Taxis, mini trucks and vans are regularly being left behind on tram tracks. Often, the drivers cannot be found anywhere and we have to call up Lalbazar traffic control room to get the tracks cleared,” said a conductor at the Gariahat depot.Beckbagan resident Tanmoy Bhattacharya who was on board the stranded Gariahat-bound tram on Esplanade-Gariahat route on Thursday night said, “I boarded the tram from the Tipu Sultan mosque stop. Within 200m, it came to a halt as a car was parked in front. The driver kept ringing the bell but to no avail. We looked for the driver but could not be found. After waiting for 20 minutes, I had to look for an auto. I request the govt to take action against such illegal parking on tram tracks.”Ravi Inder Singh, principal secretary of the state transport department, told TOI: “We will take up the matter with the authority concerned. Trams should always get the right of way. We are working to revive the tram networks.”In the past, members of Calcutta Tram Users’ Association lodged several police complaints but no action was taken, said Souvik Mukherjee, a member of HC-appointed Calcutta Tram Welfare Committee. “Illegal parking on tracks is regular during the day as well. Heavy fines, like 500 Euros, are imposed in Vienna for such an offence.”You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolkata | Silver Rate in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Petrol Price in Kolkata | Diesel Price in Kolkata | CNG Price in Kolkata | LPG Price in KolkataStay updated with the latest Kolkata news. Download the TOI App.