Mumbai is bidding adieu to the iconic ‘Kaali-Peeli’ taxis, marking the end of an era. This transition follows closely on the heels of the retirement of the diesel-powered double-decker buses operated by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking.
For generations, the ‘Kaali-Peeli’ taxis have been an integral part of Mumbai’s identity. These black-and-yellow cabs were more than just a means of transportation; they were woven into the very fabric of the city, representing Mumbai’s spirit and resilience.
The final Premier Padmini taxi was registered in Mumbai at the Tardeo RTO on October 29, 2003. According to the city’s regulations, cabs cannot be older than 20 years, which means Mumbai will officially bid farewell to the last Premier Padmini taxi from Monday onwards.
Abdul Kareem Karsekar, a resident of Prabhadevi, and the owner of the last registered Premier Padmini taxi in Mumbai (bearing registration number MH-01-JA-2556), expressed his emotions, saying, “Yeh Mumbai ki shaan hai aur hamari jaan hai” (It is the pride of Mumbai and the life of mine). His words resonate with countless residents who share a deep emotional connection with these cabs that have been an integral part of their daily lives.
The retirement of the ‘Kaali-Peeli’ taxis comes shortly after the phasing out of the last diesel-powered double-decker buses in the BEST fleet. These double-decker buses were a staple on Mumbai’s roads for 15 years, but their time has also come to an end, leaving transportation enthusiasts in the city with a heavy heart.
The abrupt exit of two iconic modes of public transportation within weeks has prompted some to demand the preservation of at least one Premier Padmini taxi, either on the road or in a museum. The Mumbai Taximen’s Union had previously petitioned the government to preserve one ‘Kaali-Peeli,’ but their plea remained unheeded.
It’s interesting to note how Mumbai’s transportation landscape has evolved over the years. While the city once boasted around 63,000 black-and-yellow taxis, including the distinctive ‘cool cabs’ with their ‘blue and silver’ colour scheme in the late ’90s, the number has dwindled to just over 40,000 today. The decline in the number of Premier Padmini taxis can be attributed to the government’s decision to impose a 20-year age limit on cabs, first set at 25 years in 2008 and then reduced to 20 years in 2013.
The Premier Padmini, with its origin dating back to 1964, began its journey as a taxi with the model ‘Fiat-1100 Delight,’ a powerful 1200-cc car equipped with a steering-mounted gear shifter. While smaller in size compared to the “big taxis” like Plymouth, Landmaster, Dodge, and the Fiat 1100, affectionately known as ‘dukkar Fiat’ by locals, it quickly gained popularity among cabbies.
In the 1970s, the model underwent a rebranding, becoming known as “Premier President” and later “Premier Padmini,” a nod to the legendary Indian queen Padmini. The car, manufactured by Premier Automobile Limited (PAL), retained this name until its production ceased in 2001.
The legacy of the Premier Padmini taxis extended beyond mere transportation. They played a role in shaping Mumbai’s cultural heritage and were featured prominently in numerous Bollywood movies, including ‘Taxi No. 9211,’ ‘Khaali-Peeli,’ and ‘Aa Ab Laut Chale.’ In many old Bollywood films, Premier Padmini cars and double-decker buses would appear at the beginning, helping establish Mumbai as the backdrop for the unfolding stories.
While newer models and app-based cab services have gradually taken over the streets of Mumbai, the retirement of the Premier Padmini taxis has left a very tangible void in the hearts and roads of the city.