An old-style tram shuttles citizens about their day in 1920s Shanghai. (Photo : Google)
Vintage industrial artifacts will be displayed for people to enjoy alongside downtown Shanghai's future tramlines. The scenic public space project will include a restored cement warehouse, old steam engines and other pieces of industrial history.
Forty years ago, the downtown Shanghai tram network closed down. The only tram route currently functioning goes through the Zhangjiang High Tech Park in the Pudong New Area.
Officials have announced plans to form 13 kilometers of brand new electrical tramlines to alleviate environmental impact of local travel and commuting. With speeds that can reach up to 40-80 kilometers per hour, the trams will each have four carriages to carry 368 passengers.
Last year, the government approved routes in the Songjiang District intended for use in 2017, when the new riverbank development will also commence. The plan includes a way between the Xupu and Nanpu bridges following the Huangpu river. Also proposed are routes in Qingpu, including one that follows Yan'an road to the Huqingping highway.
Officials have not confirmed an estimated time of completion yet.
The government intends to showcase pieces of historical turn-of-the-century technology along a stretch that runs the proposed riverbank route. Citizens and travelers will be able to marvel at how far the urban development capabilities of Shangai have come. The restored artifacts should incite reflection on human ingenuity, entertain visitors and propagate a respect for the history of Shanghai's industry.
Plans also include thousands of parking spaces as well as jogging lanes.
These projects are part of the government's larger plan to construct 800 kilometers of tramlines in the next several years for the citizens of Shanghai.
