West Bengal Transport Corporation and Apeejay Anand Children’s Library launched Kolkata’s first children’s tram library on the Indian Children’s Day (November 14). The initiative is being touted as the first of its kind in the world.

The library on wheels, decorated with paintings of children reading, hand painted by local artists and books across genres for young readers adorning its shelves, rolled on its first trip to encourage and inspire children to read and experience the joy of reading.

Oxford Bookstores have curated the selection of titles and literature across various young reading age groups for the Kolkata Young Reader’s Tram Car. According to reports, yearlong activities for children on board the tramcar, such as storytelling, dramatised readings, poetry sessions, book launches, music and more are also on the cards, to captivate young minds.

The tram car was launched virtually by Rajanvir Singh Kapur, MD, WBTC and Priti Paul, Director, Apeejay Surrendra Group. Kapur said, “The idea behind the Kolkata Young Reader’s Tramcar is that all children should get access to read good books and what better than the Kolkata trams!”

The tram would run on Shyambazar Esplanade and Esplanade Gariahat routes spanning North to South of Kolkata and there would be no ticket for children and Kanyashrees (18 or below) in this tramcar. People more than 18 can enjoy the tramcar at normal AC tram fares, Kapur said.