After 50 years, trams to make ‘comeback’ in Mumbai
The coach has been kept at the Anik depot compound, where every bit of its metal frame has rusted
The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking has decided to resurrect a rusted tram coach, which has been in a shambles at the Anik depot.
This particular coach was brought in from Kolkata in 1994, in order to be preserved in the BEST museum. But over the last 20 years, the coach has been lying neglected.
“We spent more than Rs 70,000 only in transporting it from Kolkata. It’s sad that the administration has not maintained it,” said Ranjan Chaudhari, BEST committee member, who first raised the issue about the tram’s condition.
“In fact, last year, the BEST administration wanted to sell the tram as scrap. It was going to fetch over Rs 4.9 lakh. This is when people objected to it,” said Chaudhari.
Popular artist and chairperson of the National Gallery for Modern Arts Suhas Baulekar had spoken against the dismantling of the tram coach. “When I visited the BEST museum, I was told that it was to be sold as scrap. I spoke with the authorities and I am glad that the BEST is restoring it,” Baulekar said.
At present, this coach has been kept at the Anik depot compound, where every bit of its metal frame has rusted. Its tyres are punctured and the overhead equipment and cables are in tatters. With the frame having collapsed entirely, there is an unobstructed view of the car’s interiors, the large steering wheel and a vestibule-like section connecting the two halves of the coach.
Trams were the lifeline of Mumbai for over 90 years.
Courtesy: Mid Day
