The Maharashtra government is mulling a proposal to reintroduce tram services in this city to connect areas that do not have suburban train lines.
"A final decision in this regard is pending. However, resuming the tram services is definitely on our agenda," a Maharashtra government official said.
A state government team visited Kolkata to gain first- hand experience on the functioning of tram services there. "The delegation went about 10 days ago and has submitted its experience in writing. They are quite upbeat," the official said.
Tram services in Mumbai were terminated in 1964 after 90 years of existence. The city had trams drawn by horses as early as 1874. Electric trams were introduced in 1907, but were discontinued due to their inability to cater to the increasing population during the post-World War II period.
The official said Mumbai will have the 'best trams' in the world and services will be of international standard. The state will form a special purpose vehicle to run tram services. "We are yet to decide the parties who will form the SPV," he said.
If allowed to ply on a dedicated track, tram services could prove to be one of the best modes of transportation in Mumbai, he said.
