Kolkata's Iconic Yellow Taxis Face Extinction: A City's Heritage Fades

Kolkata's legendary yellow taxis are rapidly disappearing from the city's streets. By the end of 2025, over 64% of these iconic Ambassador cabs will be phased out due to a 2008 Calcutta High Court ruling banning commercial vehicles older than 15 years. From a fleet of 7,000 at the start of 2024, only about 3,000 will remain by 2026. This marks the end of an era for Kolkata, where yellow taxis have been a symbol of the city since 1962. The transport department is exploring options for BS6-compliant replacements, but the future of this cultural icon remains uncertain.

 

Sources: NDTV, The Telegraph, The Indian Express, The Economic Times