In two years, Old Delhi is expected to a slice of its history back — trams. As part of the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Project, the government has proposed to reintroduce trams that once adorned the streets of Chandni Chowk.

Work has been fast-tracked on the line and after it is commissioned, the area will be declared a non-motorised vehicle zone. Apart from trams, only rickshaws will be allowed in the lanes of Old Delhi.

The government has already given its go-ahead and suggested some changes in the proposal made by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia will meet the agencies concerned this week to finalise the plan.

The DMRC says it will need the help of other agencies for the project. The lines will be constructed on the left of the main Chandni Chowk road.

“We have proposed a 4.30-km tram line in the busy Chandni Chowk area but 1.6 km will have to be elevated due to lack of space. The trains will be gated and the ticketing system will be based on the Metro, which is either by smart card or tokens,” said SD Sharma, director (business development), DMRC.

From 1908 to 1963, trams chugged along with tongas, cycle-rickshaws and bicycles but DMRC says this time such vehicles will not be allowed. “Cars or rickshaws will not be allowed around 250 metres of the trams. The trains can ply at 50 km/hr but we will run them at a speed of 15 km/hr. The trains will stop every 200 metres. Gates will ensure people don’t board or de-board while they are moving,” Sharma added.

“We will link both the stations for better connectivity. People using the Metro can use the tram with the same smart card,” Sharma added. The ridership of the tram line is expected to be 1 lakh.

“The government has decided to carry out several development projects in the area through the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC). To redevelop and take forward this cultural heritage is a challenge but the government has decided and taken it up,” said Sisodia.

Source: HT News