Kolkata is about to bid farewell to its iconic yellow taxis, as nearly 4,500 yellow metered taxis are set to be phased out this year. This decision marks a major shift in the city’s transport landscape, ending a long-standing tradition.

The yellow taxis, synonymous with Kolkata’s identity alongside landmarks like the Howrah Bridge and Victoria Memorial, have been a staple of the city’s roads for decades. However, their prominence began to decline well before the rise of app-based taxi services in 2015.

At the start of 2024, the city had around 7,000 yellow metered taxis. Following a 2008 Calcutta High Court ruling, 64% of these vehicles approximately 4,493 taxis will be retired, as commercial vehicles over 15 years old are prohibited from operating on city roads. Additionally, around 2,500 more yellow taxis, mostly older D and E-series Ambassadors, will be removed from service next year, reducing the fleet to fewer than 3,000 taxis.

Kolkata’s Iconic Yellow Taxis to Vanish Soon

The yellow-and-black Ambassadors, once the “king of the roads,” were introduced by the Calcutta Taxi Association in 1962. Known for their durability and distinctive design, these taxis became a beloved part of Kolkata’s transport system. However, a pre-COVID survey in 2020 revealed that the number of taxis had already fallen to 18,000, primarily due to the phase-out of older models. The pandemic, coupled with the 15-year vehicle age limit, added further strain on operators.

Many taxi owners now face the challenge of updating their fleets. With new BS VI-compliant cars costing upwards of ₹8 lakh, and without sufficient fare adjustments to cover rising operational costs, many operators find it financially unfeasible to upgrade their taxis. Furthermore, high loan default rates make it difficult for drivers to secure financing.

The future of Kolkata’s taxi industry, which began in 1908 with fares as low as 8 annas per mile, now seems uncertain. The disappearance of these iconic yellow taxis marks the end of an era, and while change is inevitable, it presents significant challenges for both drivers and passengers alike.