Kolkata's Yellow Taxi: The 'Ambassador' Of India's Colonial Heritage

Kolkata is a treasure trove of history, culture, heritage and British-era symbols. Iconic railway stations like Sealdah and Howrah are grand reminders of the bygone colonial era. The Park Street’s vibrant atmosphere and the majestic Victoria Memorial echo the city’s colonial past. The streets are adorned with trams, another legacy of British influence, gliding through bustling areas. The retro Writers' Building, St. Paul's Cathedral and the South Park Street Cemetery reflect timeless elegance and tell the story that the city’s famous yellow taxis weave through the rich tapestry of heritage, connecting modern Kolkata with its storied past, where every corner tells a tale of history and charm.

The iconic yellow taxis have long been a part of the city’s vibrant landscape, representing not just a mode of public transport but a cultural symbol of the streets of Kolkata. Other cities in India may have witnessed the rise of ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber in the 2020s but Kolkata had its own taxi service since the British era, like Mumbai.

These taxis have been shining in the city for decades, navigating the bustling streets, ferrying commuters and tourists and countless stories within their sturdy frames. However, these gems are now on the verge of disappearing. The future of these iconic taxis now faces uncertainty because of new rules and regulations to control pollution.

Origins and legacy of Kolkata's yellow taxi

Kolkata adopted taxis during the British era in 1908. At that time, the fare was 8 annas. However, the story of Kolkata’s yellow taxis began in 1962 when the Kolkata Taxi Association first introduced them, made possible by the golden car of India, the Hindustan Ambassador. The same car was used by senior government officials, Chief Ministers and even Prime Ministers but the Ambassadors are most closely associated with Kolkata. 

The car was powered by a 1995cc engine and was known for its sturdy body, spacious interiors and luxurious feel. At the time, creature comforts included radios, fans and curtains.

The car was spacious with sofa-like rear seats, capable of carrying four to five people at a time. These cars were not painted bright yellow just to enhance their appearance – they were painted this colour because Kolkata is situated near the Hooghly River and experiences heavy rainfall. The yellow colour is highly visible, ensuring that the taxis could be easily spotted even at night, in the rain or from a distance.

This unique appearance set Kolkata’s taxis apart from those in other Indian cities, where a variety of colours were often used.

For more than 50 years, the taxis have served everyone from students going to school to professionals and local citizens. Tourists enjoy slow Bengali music in the taxis while passing the iconic walls and landmarks of Kolkata. The taxis feature prominently in films, literature and popular culture, further cementing their place in the collective imagination of the people.

The Dawn is here for the yellow taxis

Despite their rich legacy and appeal to tourists, the fate of Kolkata’s yellow taxis now hangs in the balance. A major turning point came in 2008 when the Calcutta High Court decided to phase out vehicles that were more than 15 years old. This ruling was driven by environmental concerns and the need to reduce air pollution, as older vehicles produce higher levels of harmful gases.

In short, the government has prepared for the demise of these iconic taxis.

These rules completely changed the attitude of taxi operators. Most of the yellow taxis operating in the capital were more than 15 years old and hence that fell as a direct target for deregistration. The year 2025 promises retirement for over 4,500 yellow taxis and another 2,500 are set to join the drum line in the following year. This is the mass retirement doomsday for many of these iconic vehicles.

Another major factor contributing to their decline is the cost of replacement. New vehicles that comply with Bharat Stage VI (BS VI) emission standards come with high price tags. The expected cost of procuring these new-age quality vehicles can easily reach around INR 8 lakhs and additional taxes will make it difficult to maintain a return on investment (ROI) for cab drivers. This is especially true in Kolkata, where demand from city travellers is declining. People who want to experience the ‘yellow taxi’ expect to feel the retro charm of old taxis.

The rise of app-based cab services like Uber and Ola has also played a major role in erasing the presence of yellow taxis. These services offer comfortable air-conditioned rides, cashless payments, app-based booking and postpaid payment systems. On the other hand, some old-school drivers of yellow cabs still accept only cash even in 2024! 

Increasing crime in Kolkata is another reason why outsiders avoid booking yellow taxis at night, as these cabs are not equipped with GPS services for tracking and safety.

An uncertain future

The days of Kolkata's yellow taxis are facing deadlines and with them the fading away of a cultural icon. Hope persists, though.

Stakeholders and entrepreneurs, including heritage conservationists, are putting in all they can to ensure this legacy stays afloat. An electric vehicle seems to be an answer to many of the prayers. There have been discussions with plans to get a fleet of yellow-painted taxis that are EVs. This shift may help Kolkata maintain the visual and cultural identity of its taxis while addressing environmental concerns and keeping pace with modern transportation standards.

The current West Bengal government has also shown interest in providing subsidies or financial incentives to facilitate the transition to better alternatives. This could save the city’s cultural heritage while protecting the environment. If any of these options succeed, the bright yellow taxis may once again grace the streets of Kolkata.

The conclusion

The yellow taxis are a nostalgic yet artistic part of Kolkata’s identity. If Delhi is known for its Mughal heritage, Kolkata boasts British food, buildings and its iconic yellow mode of transport. The conclusion is clear – the government must take important steps to preserve the charm of Kolkata’s yellow Hindustan Ambassadors.