King of Kolkata’s Streets: Yellow Taxis Are Back With a Modern Twist – What’s Changing?

Kolkata: Kolkata’s iconic yellow taxis, once a dominant presence on the city’s roads, are set for a revival as the West Bengal government launches a fleet of modernised versions. In collaboration with a private company, the state flagged off 20 new taxis under the ‘Yellow Heritage Cabs’ initiative, aiming to bring back nostalgia while meeting modern safety and environmental standards.

The new fleet was inaugurated by West Bengal Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty in the presence of Transport Secretary Soumitra Mohan and other senior officials. According to the transport department, the initiative will expand significantly, with 3,000 such taxis expected to hit the streets within the next two months.

Modern Features & Iconic Design

• Unlike their older counterparts, these new yellow taxis come equipped with essential modern features such as seat belts and airbags, ensuring enhanced passenger safety.
• They will run on both CNG and petrol, making them more eco-friendly compared to the ageing diesel-powered fleet.
• In a nod to Kolkata’s rich heritage, the cars will be adorned with images of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Victoria Memorial Hall and Howrah Bridge.
• The passengers will be able to book these taxis via the government’s ‘Yatri Sathi’ app, making them more accessible and convenient.

Gradual Phase-Out of Old Yellow Taxis

The revival effort comes at a time when Kolkata’s traditional yellow taxis are rapidly vanishing due to regulatory changes. A 2009 Calcutta High Court order mandated that commercial vehicles older than 15 years cannot operate within the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) area, which includes Kolkata and Howrah.

As a result, the number of metered yellow taxis has declined sharply—from around 20,000 three years ago to fewer than 2,000 expected by the end of 2025. By 2027-28, all old yellow taxis will be permanently phased out, marking the end of an era for Kolkata’s vintage taxi culture.

With the introduction of the ‘Yellow Heritage Cabs,’ the government aims to balance heritage preservation with modern transportation needs, ensuring that the city’s iconic taxis continue to be a part of its urban landscape for years to come.

Yellow Taxis in Indian Cinema: A Nostalgic Tribute

For decades, Kolkata’s iconic yellow taxis have been more than just a mode of transport—they have been a cinematic symbol of the city’s spirit, resilience, and old-world charm. These taxis have played a significant role in Indian films, capturing the essence of Kolkata’s bustling streets and timeless allure.

Calcutta Trilogy (1970s) – Satyajit Ray’s celebrated trilogy featured yellow taxis as an integral part of Kolkata’s backdrop, showcasing the city’s socio-political landscape.

36 Chowringhee Lane (1981) – Aparna Sen’s classic film prominently featured yellow taxis, adding to its atmospheric storytelling.

Kahaani (2012) – The Vidya Balan-starrer masterfully used Kolkata’s yellow taxis to enhance the film’s suspense and authenticity.

A Legacy on Wheels: The Story of Kolkata’s Yellow Taxis

Introduced in 1962 with Hindustan Motors' iconic Ambassador cars, Kolkata’s yellow taxis earned the title "Kings of the Road" for their reliability, charm, and cultural significance. These taxis became an inseparable part of the city’s visual identity, evoking nostalgia and memories for generations.

However, their numbers have declined sharply due to Kolkata’s 15-year service limit and the discontinuation of Ambassador car production. Once a common sight, these taxis are now gradually vanishing from the city’s streets.

Despite this, the charm of yellow taxis remains undeniable. Many Bollywood stars, including Alia Bhatt , Ranveer Singh , Akshay Kumar , and Kartik Aaryan, have embraced these iconic cabs during film promotions, further cementing their legacy in popular culture.

As Kolkata prepares to revive its legendary yellow taxis in a modern avatar, these cabs continue to be an enduring emblem of the city’s character, seamlessly blending heritage with contemporary urban life.