The streets of Kolkata are on the brink of losing one of their most iconic symbols: the yellow metered taxis

Nearly 4,500 of these taxis are set to be removed from service this year, marking a transformative shift in the city’s transportation landscape

Often mentioned alongside landmarks like the Howrah Bridge and Victoria Memorial, Kolkata's yellow taxis have been an integral part of its identity since their introduction by the Calcutta Taxi Association in 1962

Known for their distinctive yellow-and-black Ambassador design, these taxis were once the "kings of the roads." However, their decline began long before app-based taxi services entered the market in 2015

At the beginning of 2024, Kolkata had approximately 7,000 yellow metered taxis. Of these, 64% or 4,493 vehicles are now being phased out, following a 2008 Calcutta High Court ruling that bans commercial vehicles over 15 years old 

An additional 2,500 taxis, primarily from the older D and E series Ambassadors, will be retired next year, leaving fewer than 3,000 on the roads

The challenges for taxi operators have been mounting. Updating to newer BS VI-compliant vehicles, which cost upwards of ₹8 lakh, is financially unfeasible for many without corresponding fare adjustments

The Bengal Taxi Association’s joint secretary, Sanjeeb Roy, highlighted the difficulties faced by drivers

 “Without a fair increase to offset rising costs, replacing old vehicles is out of reach for most operators,” he explained

The city's taxi history, which began in 1908 with fares as low as 8 annas per mile, now faces an uncertain future