 "Electric bus")
A policy research organisation has advocated bolstering the city's tram infrastructure, including exploring the possibility of electric buses making use of the same overhead power supply network.
A top official of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) said at an event here Thursday that a number of European cities run trams and buses on the same electric overhead wire network.
"Tram infrastructure should be improved. The state government can explore dual-use of tram overhead power supply network, as the same can be shared by electric buses," TERI Director General Ajay Mathur said on the sidelines of a Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) programme.
He was responding to queries on the condition of tram services in the city at a time when the central government is promoting e-vehicles.
"Electric buses can use the overhead tram network wherever there is such availability before switching to its own to complete trips," he said on Thursday.
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Mathur said if approached, it can undertake a detailed study for better use of the city's tram infrastructure.
The TERI official said according to a finding, Kolkatans use public transport for 79 per cent of their trips.
In a bid to promote electric transportation to control emissions, the Department of Heavy Industries, under the FAME-1 scheme, had recently selected 11 cities for providing subsidy to procure electric vehicles on a pilot basis.
A senior official of the West Bengal government said around 60-80 electric buses would be procured, 60 per cent of which will be funded by the Centre.
