Mumbai's iconic Kaali-Peeli taxis will go off roads from the city's streets from Monday. The last black and yellow Premier Padmini taxi was registered in 2003, and as Mumbai enforces a 20-year age limit for cabs, these taxis won't be seen in the city anymore. This follows the retirement of iconic diesel-powered double-decker BEST buses.
The Kaali-Peeli taxis have been an integral part of Mumbai's culture and heritage for over six decades. They were first introduced in 1958 by the then-Bombay state government, and quickly became a popular mode of transportation for Mumbaikars. The taxis were known for their affordability, convenience, and iconic black-and-yellow paint scheme.
However, in recent years, the Kaali-Peeli taxis have faced increasing competition from app-based cab services such as Ola and Uber. These services offer newer and more comfortable vehicles, as well as the convenience of booking a cab online or through a mobile app. As a result, the number of Kaali-Peeli taxis on Mumbai's roads has been declining steadily.
The retirement of the Kaali-Peeli taxis marks the end of an era in Mumbai's history. While the taxis will be missed by many, it is time for the city to move on to newer and more sustainable modes of transportation.
(Image caption: A black and yellow Kaali-Peeli taxi drives through the streets of Mumbai. The taxi is adorned with a sticker that says "Last ride of the kaali-peeli". The image is dated October 28, 2023.)
