FIR after bitumen covers north Kolkata tram tracks
Times of India | 14 July 2025
Kolkata: The recent bituminisation of tram tracks at MG Road–Rabindra Sarani crossing has stirred public outcry and legal concerns, with the Calcutta Tram Users Association (CTUA) filing an FIR at Burrabazar PS on Sunday. The association has claimed that the resurfacing work violates a Calcutta High Court stay order that explicitly prohibits such actions until further notice.The crossing, which once served nine major tram routes, is now at the centre of a controversy. Historically, this junction was a key artery for trams connecting the city's northern and southern parts. Tram services along this stretch were temporarily suspended in 2021 due to the demolition of the Posta flyover and later for painting work on the Brabourne Road flyover. However, the tracks remained intact and were in pristine, concretised condition until the bituminisation. "The surface was level and well-maintained. Ironically, the recent bituminisation has made the road uneven," said Debasish Bhattacharya, president of CTUA. "This is nothing but a deliberate attempt to sabotage a century-old green public transport system"Despite the tram service being suspended temporarily, the tracks remained in usable condition, and the route was considered viable for revival. The Rajabazar–Howrah Bridge line (Route 15/12) was among the busiest, especially for daily wage earners and vendors. There is no official clarification on who authorised the bituminisation. The transport department, which oversees tram operations, denied involvement. The KMC, the custodian of city roads, has remained silent. "Trams carried as many passengers as three buses or 20 cars or autos. Replacing th-em with smaller vehicles will only exacerbate traffic congestion and emissions," said Sagnik Gupta, a tram enthusiast and sustainable mobility advocate.