India

Kolkata Iconic yellow Taxis: 64% Of Transport Medium To Be Off Road By March 2025

Over 64% of Kolkata iconic yellow taxis will disappear from the streets by March 2025. The state transport department’s 15-year age limit for vehicles has prompted this move to curb pollution.

Thousands Of Taxis To Be Phased Out

Currently, Kolkata has around 7,000 registered yellow taxis. Of these, approximately 4,500 will be taken off the roads as they exceed the 15-year age cap. All these taxis are Ambassador models, previously manufactured by Hindustan Motors Limited in Hooghly district.

With the production of Ambassadors discontinued, replacing these taxis is no longer an option.

Also Read: CM Nitish Kumar To Launch ‘Pragati Yatra’ & Lay Foundation Stone For Key Projects

Historical Significance Of Yellow Taxis

The first yellow taxi reportedly hit Kolkata’s streets in 1908, though records are unclear about the exact year. By 1962, the Calcutta Taxi Association adopted the Ambassador as the standard taxi model. Yellow was chosen for its visibility even after sunset.

Decline In Popularity

Yellow taxis have lost ground in recent years due to the rise of app-based cabs offering greater comfort. Despite this, they remain a nostalgic symbol for many in Kolkata.

Plans To Preserve The Legacy

The transport department is exploring ways to retain the iconic status of yellow taxis. Permit holders of old taxis will be allowed to get new commercial permits. Owners can also apply for special permission to retain the yellow color on newer vehicles.

“These proposals are still under discussion,” said a transport official. The government aims to balance modern regulations with preserving Kolkata’s cherished yellow taxi legacy.

Shibra Arshad

Recent Posts

Karimnagar’s 6-Year-Old Kid Crafts PM Modi’s Portrait With Rubik’s Cubes

In a remarkable display of talent and creativity, six-year-old Vidhat, a resident of Karimnagar, is…

2 mins ago

Corporate India Reports 7.2% Sales Growth In FY25, RBI Data Shows

Corporate India saw a sales growth of 7.2% in FY25, up from 4.7% the previous…

11 mins ago

India Posts $13.5 Billion Current Account Surplus In Q4 FY25: RBI

India recorded a current account surplus of $13.5 billion or 1.3% of GDP in Q4…

22 mins ago

PM Modi Pays Tribute To Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj On His Centenary Year

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the centenary celebrations of Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj at Vigyan…

37 mins ago

Ram Temple In Ayodhya Draws Over 55 Million Devotees Since Consecration

Since the consecration of Lord Ram at the Ram Temple on January 22, 2024, Ayodhya…

39 mins ago

Over 70% Of Indian Startups Now Rely On AI For Core Business Functions: Meta Report

India’s startup ecosystem is witnessing a major shift, with over 70% of startups now integrating…

51 mins ago