Can tram trains be the next big solution for Bengaluru’s traffic woes?

Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has proposed introducing a tram rail network as part of his five-point plan to ease the city’s chronic traffic congestion. Could this be the missing link in the city’s mobility puzzle?

Bengaluru’s ever-growing traffic chaos has sparked a new idea, tram trains. Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has proposed the introduction of tram rails as part of his five-point plan to tackle the city’s transport bottlenecks.

According to the MP, trams could become a “feeder system” for existing Metro and Suburban Rail networks, ensuring smoother last-mile connectivity and reducing dependency on private vehicles.

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What Are Tram Trains?

Trams are light rail vehicles that run on city roads and are powered by electricity. Unlike heavy rail or metro systems, trams can easily navigate narrow city roads, offering flexible and efficient movement for local commuters.

In India, Kolkata remains the only city where trams still operate successfully. Kerala has also studied similar proposals for future implementation. Globally, cities in Europe, Japan, and Australia have seen major success with tram-based urban transport due to its low pollution and high reliability.

Benefits of Tram Rails for Bengaluru:

•    Operates on existing roads, reducing land acquisition needs.
•    Lower construction costs compared to metro projects.
•    Can function in narrow or busy localities.
•    Electric-powered, meaning lower emissions.
•    Provides seamless connectivity to metro and suburban rail.
•    Helps reduce traffic and private vehicle use.

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Challenges Ahead:

However, the implementation isn’t without hurdles. In densely populated zones, running trams could be difficult. Since they share road space with other vehicles, smooth road conditions and strict lane management are essential.

Maintenance of clean tracks and dedicated lanes will be vital. Heavy vehicle movement may need restriction along tram routes to ensure safety and efficiency.

Despite challenges, experts believe trams could offer a sustainable middle ground between expensive metro projects and overloaded bus services, particularly in inner-city routes or feeder corridors.

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