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A 2020 study, conducted before the pandemic, showed that there were once around 18,000 yellow cabs in Kolkata.
By early 2024, there were about 7,000 of these iconic taxis still operating. (Photo: ET Auto)
Nearly 4,500 of Kolkata’s famous yellow metered taxis will be removed from the streets this year for exceeding their 15-year service limit, drastically changing the city’s transport scene.
The yellow Ambassador taxis, which have long been a symbol of Kolkata alongside landmarks like the Howrah Bridge and Victoria Memorial, are becoming less common. However, the popularity of these cabs had already begun to fade before the rise of app-based ride services in 2015, as per TOI.
At the start of 2024, the city’s fleet still had around 7,000 yellow metered taxis, but nearly 64 percent of them (4,493 cabs) will soon be taken off the roads.
This follows a 2008 ruling by the Calcutta High Court, which stated that no commercial vehicle over 15 years old could operate in the city. Once a taxi reaches this age limit, it cannot renew its permit or fitness certificate.
In addition to the 4,493 taxis being phased out, around 2,500 older D and E-series Ambassadors will also be removed throughout the year. By next year, the number of yellow metered taxis will fall to fewer than 3,000.
Before the pandemic, a 2020 study found that Kolkata had around 18,000 yellow taxis on the road. The phased-out Ambassadors, combined with the impacts of lockdowns and the 15-year rule, have caused many cabbies to leave the business.
Rising costs of new BS VI-compliant taxis, now priced at over Rs 8 lakh, and a lack of fare revisions have made it difficult for many taxi operators to stay afloat. Adding to the financial strain, the difficulty in obtaining bank loans due to a high default rate further limits their options.
Kolkata’s taxi industry has a rich history, dating back to 1908, when fares were just 8 annas per mile. The yellow-and-black taxis, introduced in 1962, became a symbol of the city, known for their reliability, endurance, and unique appearance. Despite this rich legacy, the future of Kolkata’s famous yellow taxis looks uncertain.
