Mumbai’s Iconic Black-and-Yellow Taxis Retire

Mumbai’s iconic black-and-yellow taxis named “Premier Padmini” took their final ride yesterday, on 30th October 2023. The beloved black-and-yellow taxis became an important part of Mumbai’s identity during its sixty years of service. 

The transport department set the age limit of taxis in Mumbai as 20 years. The last black-and-yellow taxi exceeded the age limit. It was registered in the regional transport office on October 29, 2003, and owned by Abdul Kareem Karsekar. 

These taxis were made in India from 1964 to 2001 by Premier Automobiles Limited. Launched under the name of Fiat 1100 Delight, it was renamed after the Indian queen Padmini in the 1970s. 

Earlier, the transport department decided to ban the famous red double-decker diesel buses from the road followed by these taxis. These taxis became a cultural heritage of Mumbai and were featured in many Bollywood movies. To preserve its glory, the people of Mumbai are urging the government to preserve one of the kaali-peeli taxis in a museum or on the road.