Kolkata’s iconic yellow metered taxis, once a symbol of the city’s charm, are facing a sharp decline as over 4,500 vehicles—more than half the fleet—are set to retire by year-end. This comes in response to a 15-year service limit imposed by the state transport department.
Affectionately known as the 'Ambassadors,' Kolkata's iconic yellow taxis have been a vital part of the city's identity for decades. The Ambassador earned the nickname "King of Indian Roads."
The last Ambassador rolled off the assembly line on May 24, 2014, as declining sales and rising competition led to its end. The factory’s closure has made spare parts scarce, worsening challenges for Kolkata's aging taxi fleet. The Covid-19 lockdown and transport restrictions forced many drivers to quit or sell their vehicles to survive. App-based services like Ola and Uber have further impacted traditional taxis with competitive fares and convenience.
Asian Voice spoke with members of the Bengali community in the UK to explore their emotional connection to and the cultural significance of Kolkata’s iconic yellow Ambassador taxis.
Kolkata's yellow taxis loss stirs emotions of nostalgia and sadness
Dr Debojyoti Das, Lecturer, Green Party MP candidate from Kingston and Surbiton for the 2024 UK parliamentary election, Green Party Fundraising Officer, and Co-Editor-In-Chief of Asian Ethnicity by Taylor and Francis, highlighted the emotional and cultural significance of Kolkata’s yellow Ambassador taxis: “The emotional significance of Kolkata's yellow taxis lies not just in their utility but also in their role as a moving metaphor of Kolkata itself: unpretentious, resilient, and deeply connected to the city's history. For me, they represent the intimate connection to everyday life in the city, where each ride is a journey not just through physical space but through time itself. The potential disappearance of Kolkata’s iconic yellow taxis feels like bidding farewell to a piece of the city's soul. More than just vehicles, they are woven into the fabric of Kolkata’s culture, representing an era now fading amidst modernisation. Their loss stirs emotions of nostalgia and sadness, marking the end of an era and raising concerns about the future of the city’s unique character.”
“As a Green Party member, I feel that the yellow taxis are not very efficient, but they are the cultural icon on the city's transport system with trams and metro. The city will lose its charm without them. The decline of Kolkata’s iconic yellow Ambassador taxis is driven by rising maintenance costs, pollution restrictions, and a shift toward app-based rides and modern vehicles. Factors like liberalisation in the transport sector and changing customer preferences also play a role. While cities like New York and London have modernised their fleets with CNG and EVs, Kolkata could adopt similar solutions by introducing electric versions of these classic taxis. With electric buses already in place, this could be a step toward preserving the Ambassador's legacy,” he added.
Sourav Niyogi, Partner at EY and Trustee of the Bengal Heritage Foundation, reflected on the emotional impact of Kolkata’s declining yellow Ambassador taxis: “Growing up in a small town, Kolkata always held a special charm during my childhood visits. Alongside iconic landmarks like Howrah Bridge and the Victoria Memorial, a ride in the city’s yellow taxis was the highlight of my trips. These amber-hued cabs were more than just transportation; they symbolised Kolkata’s vibrant identity and were a vital part of India’s urban landscape.
“However, four decades later, while India has progressed economically and socially, heritage preservation has fallen behind. The slow disappearance of these iconic taxis is a stark reminder of this neglect. Once the heartbeat of the city, they now face an uncertain future due to outdated policies and the lack of modernisation,” he added.
Sourav highlighted that, unlike London’s successful modernisation of its black cabs through green technologies and digital platforms while preserving heritage, Kolkata has lacked clear public policies for its yellow taxis. He said, “Similarly, Mumbai’s black-and-yellow Premier Padmini taxis were phased out without structured upgrades. The failure to balance modernisation with heritage conservation underscores missed opportunities to maintain both functionality and cultural identity. ”
Subha Sarkar, a Project Manager from Toronto, Canada, reminisced about Kolkata’s iconic taxis, saying, “Before the app cab boom, black and yellow cabs—or just yellow ones—were a major mode of transportation and a status symbol for middle-class Bengalis. Sundays were special for rides to the zoo, museum, or New Market. I have fond memories of riding in these taxis with my father to kindergarten, a 30-minute journey where I loved sitting beside the driver in those huge cars. I remember a time when, during a turn, the door flung open, and I was thrown out—lucky to be alive as there were no seatbelts back then! Another memory is the challenge of finding a taxi, as drivers often refused rides, requiring you to stop several before someone agreed. Now that Kolkata is considering removing these taxis, it marks the end of a significant era. Perhaps we could explore heritage routes or heritage cabs to give tourists and Gen Alpha a taste of this classic charm.”
