The state government has drawn up a plan to take visitors to some of the city’s Durga Puja pandals on air-conditioned trams.
The trams will leave Esplanade for Shyambazar and take visitors to some of the key pujas in the north, like Kashi Bose Lane and Hatibagan Sarbojonin, before trundling back to Esplanade. It will then make a south-ward trip to Gariahat, for the Ekdalia Evergreen and Singhipark Puja pandals.
This will be available on Saptami, Ashtami and Navami for Rs 600 per person and will include snacks and tea/coffee.
“This is the first time the state government has decided to run tram services for pandal visitors. This will be a leisurely ride for those who want to soak in the city’s vibrant spirit during the Puja while criss-crossing the city,” transport minister Snehasis Chakraborty said.
The usual Puja special rides on other modes of transport will be there, too.
They will include trips to places in north Kolkata, like Mayer Bari in Bagbazar, Sovabazar Rajbari, Kumartuli Park, Bagbazar Sarbojonin and Balaram Mandir, involving a mix of transport — a vessel on the Hooghly and AC buses.
The vessel will leave the Millennium Park jetty at 11am for a 5-hour round trip that will cost Rs 750 per person, including snacks and tea. The service will be available on Saptami, Ashtami and Navami.
A trip on AC Volvo buses to some of the major pujas in north and south Kolkata has been lined up on Saptami and Navami. This will include Ekadalia, Singhi Park, Mudiali, College Square, Mohammad Ali Park and Bagbazar Sarbojonin. The buses leaving Esplanade will cost Rs 1,800 and Barasat Rs 1,900 per head.
“We also have up a Bonedi Barir (traditional house) Pujo where visitors will be taken to the Haldars’ house in Bagbazar, Sovabazar Rajbari, Rani Rashmoni’s House and others on AC Volvo buses on Saptami, Ashtami and Navami for Rs 1,900 per head,” said a transport department official.
Visitors can book trips on www.wbtconline.in or WhatsApp 9830177000. Bookings will open mid-next week.
“We are also planning pre-Puja bus trips to some pandals after Mahalaya for those who might not want to step out during the festival days,” the minister said.