Library on wheels! Yes, you read it right. In a first, the West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) has launched maiden tram service in Kolkata for students preparing for competitive exams. As of now, a 32-seater car will run on the Shyambazar-Esplanade route. This will not only attract the students but will also reinvigorate the love for trams and reading.
This came after the services on the Shyambazar-Esplanade route resumed. It must be noted that this tram route was also damaged in Cyclone Amphan , along with 5 other tram routes.
As per Rajanvir Singh Kapur, MD of WBTC, the tram library is a beautiful and small edition in Kolkata’s literary landscape.
What’s so special about the Shyambazar-Esplanade route?
The Shyambazar-Esplanade tram route has nearly 30 educational institutions including Scottish Church Collegiate School, Bethune College, Adi Mahakali Pathsala, Presidency University, Hindu School, Calcutta University and Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. These institutions are regarded as the premium educational institutions, thereby attracting a significant number of students who are preparing for competitive examinations.
Specialities of the tram library
1- The tram library will have books, magazines and special editions of various competitive examination books.
2- Students will also have access to Wi-Fi.
3- Not only this but the authorities are also outlining the plan to host book launches, reading sessions and more to make the tram library more attractive.
4- In its inaugural week, free pens will be distributed to all the commuters.
5- In November this year, a tram literature festival will also be held.
Do you know?
1- Kolkata trams are the oldest running electric trams in Asia.
2- Kolkata is the only city in India to have a tram network.
3- Prior to the launch of the library, WBTC installed arts in trams, depicting the beginning of the services in the year 1873 to the time when it got electrified in the year 1900.
Keeping the pandemic in mind, all the guidelines are followed to ensure the safety of the commuters. The trams are disinfected before and after each shift regularly.
