Tram outside CSMT to be ready for display by year-end

MUMBAI: By year end, you may get a glimpse of the city's historic tram with BMC's efforts to restore it already underway.
The refurbished mass public transport system, which started operation in the pre-Independence era, will be placed for public viewing at Bhatia Baug, beside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).

The proposal to place the tram at the park recently received a nod from the civic commissioner. Civic officials said while they would get the chassis of the tram from Anik depot, tenders would be floated to manufacture its body.

The trams last ran in 1964. Former BEST general manager Manmohan Singh had got a tram transported from Kolkata in 1993. It was kept at Anik depot. However, the condition of the tram deteriorated over the years as it was kept in the open. This particular tram used to be operated between 1874 and 1907 in Calcutta, an official stated. A miniature of the same tram is on display at the BEST museum at Anik depot.

"Work on assembling the tram in a manner that it is attractive, yet has the old-world look will be done at our (BMC's) Worli workshop. The tram could accommodate around 32 passengers and we want to replicate that so tourists and locals can sit in it and take pictures too," said an official.

The cost of restoring the tram is approximately Rs14 lakh.

The BMC wants to place it in such a way that those passing from Dr Dadabhai Naoroji Road, an arterial road in Fort area, can get a view of it as well. "This is a large footfall area and frequented by tourists, therefore we want them to get a view of the restored tram as well," said Kiran Dighavkar, assistant municipal commissioner 'A' ward, confirming the restoration.