Calcutta "Copper Mint" Construction Tramway

Calcutta "Copper Mint" Construction Tramway

Mint History

This history is taken from Wikipedia 'India Government Mint, Kolkata'

The India Government Mint, Calcutta was first established in 1757, and was located in a building next to the Black Hole in the old fort – where the GPO (General Post Office) stands today. It was called the Calcutta Mint and used to produce coins with the mint name Murshidabad.

The second Calcutta Mint was established with the modern machinery brought in 1790 from England. It was located at the site of Gillet Ship building Establishment, which had been taken over by the Stamp and Stationary Committee in 1833. The coins issued from this mint continued to bear mint name Murshidabad.

In March 1824 the foundation of the third Calcutta Mint was laid on Strand Road and was opened for production from 1 August 1829. Until 1835 the coins issued at this mint continued to be in the name of the Murshidabad Mint. This mint was named as "Old Silver Mint". The foundation for this mint was laid March 1824, and production began 1 August 1829.

In 1860 an annexe known as the "Copper Mint" was built to the north of the Silver Mint for the exclusive production of copper coins.

'Copper Mint' Construction Tramway

As part of the construction project a hand worked tramway from the Mint Ghat on the Hooghly River was laid and in use by Feb 1881. It was used to convey materials for the construction of the building from the river and to take excavated earth to the river for disposal. It ran for 1,722 feet(525 metres), crossed Strand Road and had one siding at the Ghat and two at the building site. There were 22 wagons in use in the system. It used H rail, known as 'Lock's Patent' spiked to wooden sleepers. It is assumed that the line was in use until 1864 when the Mint was opened .