Kolkata’s iconic yellow metered taxis, long celebrated as a symbol of the city’s charm, are facing a sharp decline as nearly 4,500 vehicles—over half of the fleet—are set to retire by the end of the year. The decision stems from a 15-year service limit mandated by the state transport department.
Affectionately known as the ‘ambassadors’, the yellow taxi has been a part of Kolkata’s vibrant landscape for decades. Kolkata has always been a bustling city and to cope with such a crowd taxi’s became a part of its transportation system even before Independence. They first drove on the streets of Kolkata for the first time in 1908 and charged just 8 annas(50 paise) per mile. However 1948 marked a new milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance with the establishment of the Hindustan Motors factory in Uttarpara, just 18 km from Kolkata.
Part of the Birla Technical Services industrial group, Hindustan Motors began producing the iconic Ambassador in 1958. Based on the 1956 Morris Oxford Series III, the Ambassador was conceptualized by British automotive designer Sir Alexander Issigonis. The Hindustan Ambassador quickly gained popularity due to its classic design and spacious interior, becoming the preferred choice for government transport and politicians. In 1962, the Calcutta Taxi Association converted the Ambassador into a taxi, citing its sturdy build as ideal for Indian roads. Yellow was chosen for its high visibility, even at night. They slowly but steadily became a preferred alternative for travel and soon came to be dubbed as “King of Indian Roads”.
Over the years, newer versions of the ambassador car were introduced but by the early 2000 dwindling sales and growing competition sealed the brand’s fate and the last Ambassador rolled off the assembly line on May 24, 2014. The closure of the Hindustan Motors factory has posed challenges for the yellow taxi fleet still operating in Kolkata. With no new spare parts available, repairing the aging Ambassadors has become a specialized task that only a few mechanics can handle.
Adding to the misery, the COVID 19 halted lockdown and other transport-related restrictions forced many yellow taxi drivers to quit their businesses. And when the lockdown was lifted, a few cab owners sold their vehicles to make ends meet. As per a study, the yellow taxis have dipped from 18,000 in 2020 to just 6000 today.
Additionally, government regulations now mandate that commercial vehicles older than 15 years be phased out to combat diesel pollution. These yellow taxis also started facing tough competition from cab aggregators like Ola and Uber. These app-based services offer competitive fares, a wide selection of vehicles, GPS tracking, quick booking, professional drivers, and safety features, making them a preferred choice over traditional yellow taxis.
In a bid to save their legacy, the West Bengal government launched a Yatri Sathi app. Through this app they intended to bring all the yellow taxis in Kolkata under one umbrella where passengers could pay directly to the drivers with no surge charge, no commission or middlemen involved. But the idea didn’t materialize as it was aspired.
But these yellow taxi’s more than travel medium, became a part and parcel of the city. A user on X shared his fondness for Kolkata’s yellow taxis, writing, “I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced Kolkata’s streets and yellow taxis last year. One of my favorite memories was riding in a yellow taxi over Howrah Bridge, passing vibrant, hand-painted buses. It’s a moment I’ll truly miss.”
Another user noted the fast pace of life, “Tram gone, yellow taxi gone, my old Kolkata is slowly changing”. As iconic symbols of Kolkata, like its vintage trams and yellow taxis, fade from the streets, the city’s nostalgic charm is slowly fading away to make way for contemporary efficiency. For many, this transformation evokes a sense of loss, a loss of familiarity and warmth. Unfortunately as progress reshapes Kolkata, it also gently erases fragments of its storied heritage.
