Urban Infrastructure: Transportation

• The transportation technology brought about entrepreneurial ventures among the Indians. The city’s relationship with urbanization began with its first roads (Circular Road in 1742) and gaslights (1857).

• Bicycles, trams and steam engines changed the face of transportation.

• Calcutta’s first steamer was not used for transporting passengers or material but for dredging soil from the river Hoogly. The first steamer used as a ferry was in 1823. Dwarakanath Tagore (1794-1846) realized the potential of the steam ship and entered into business relation with the British. Carr, Tagore and Company.

It is a fascinating story of how the colonized people mastered these ‘alien technologies’ and fostered a new sense of national identity. It was a case of Mumford’s ‘implosion’ but without adequate technology.