Calcutta Tramways Company
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The Calcutta Tramways Company Limited (CTC) is a West Bengal state government undertaken company that runs trams in Kolkata and buses in and around Kolkata.
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[edit] Past in a nutshell
1873: The attempt to run tramway service between Sealdeh and Armenian Ghat Street of route length 2.4 mile was made on Feb 24. The service was not adequately patronized and was wound on Nov 20.
1880: The Calcutta Tramway Co. Ltd was formed and registered in London on 22nd Dec. Meter-gauge horse-drawn tram tracks between Sealdeh to Armenian Ghat via Bowbarzar Street. Dalhousie Sq. and Strand Road was laid. The route was inaugurated on 1st Nov.
1882: Steam locomotives were deployed experimentally to haul tramcars. By the end of the nineteenth century the Company owned 166 tramcars 1000 horses, 7 steam locomotives and 19 miles of tram tracks.
1900: Electrification of the Tramways and simultaneous reconstruction of tracks to the standard gauge (4” — 8½”) was taken up. By the end of 1905, the entire system was converted to an electric traction.
1905: Howrah Station to Bandhaghat route was opened for tramways in June. Lines to Shibpur via G.T. Road was made ready in 1908.
1943: The Calcutta system was connected with Howrah section through the new Howrah Bridge in February. With this extension, the total track length reached 42.0 miles (67.73 km).
1951: The Government of West Bengal entered into an agreement with the Calcutta Tramways Company and the Calcutta Tramways Act, 1951 was enacted. The Govt. took over all rights with regard to Tramways and reserved the right to purchase the system on 1st Jan, 1972 or any time thereafter giving two years notice.
1967: The Government of West Bengal passed The Calcutta Tramways Company (Taking over of Management) Act, 1967 and took over the management on 19th July 1967. On November 8th, 1976 the Calcutta Tramways (Acquisition of undertaking) ordinance, 1976 was promulgated under which the Company with all its assets vested with the government.
1970: The Howrah sections were closed down in Oct 1970 and 1971/1973 Nimtala Ghat route was closed down in May 1973. The total track length was now reduced to 38 miles (62 kilometers).
1985: On April 17th, extension of track was completed connecting Manicktola to Ultadanga via Manicktola Main road (3.7 km). This was the first Tramways extension since 1947.
1986: On December 31st, further extension of train track from Behala to Joka was completed.
1992: Calcutta Tramways Company has taken a new venture by introducing Bus services from 4th November, 1992 initially with a fleet of 40 buses.
[edit] Buses operated by CTC
The Calcutta Tramways Company (1978) Ltd., had taken a new venture by introducing Bus Services from November ’92. This can be termed as a Golden Chapter for CTC to enable the Century-old Company to serve the people of Kolkata and surrounding rural areas in conformity with its tradition of dedication and commitment. It was presumed that Bus services would be an advantageous transport system for the Company as it would be able to access those areas which are not yet un-folded by running of trams. The running of bus service was done with a vision of reaching wider areas around the city and to keep the heritage of The Calcutta Tramways Company intact. It was also presumed that, additional running of Bus services would also maintain the financial harmony within the CTC infrastructure. Since the introduction of the first CTC Bus services, the network has extended in broader parameter within a short span of time. With over 40 (forty) number of routes throughout Kolkata and surrounding areas, efficient service, comfortability and smooth ride have already enjoyed the confidence of the commuters. The CTC fleet of buses fulfills the condition of a safe, reliable and punctual mode of transport and run in tandem with its tram colleagues.
The initial bus services were introduced from Rajabazar with a fleet of 40 (forty) Buses. In course of time, CTC started operation of Bus services from Kidderpore depot. In the year 1993, the Tollygunge depot and Belgatchia depot were added in 1994 and 1995 respectively. Later on CTC started operation of Bus services from Ghasbagan depot at Howrah in the year 2005.
[edit] Management
[edit] Technical details
[edit] Advantages and criticism
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Niyogi, S. Shake, rattle & roll. The Sunday Story, Sunday Times of India, Kolkata, June 25, 2006. Available on Times of India e-paper (free registration required).
- Pathak Pratap Shankar, The Sunday Story, Sunday Times of India, Kolkata
[edit] External links
- www.calcuttatramways.com Official site.
- Department of Transport from the Government of West Bengal website
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