The ‘Premier Padmini’ taxis, also affectionately called the ‘kaali-peeli’ taxis because they were black and white in color took their last ride through the streets of Mumbai.
Kaali-peeli taxis were an integral part of Mumbai’s identity for so many years and now they have been phased out. Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport has also recently discontinued double-decker diesel buses in Mumbai.
It was on 29 October 2003 that the last Premier Padmini taxi was officially registered as a kaali-peeli (black and yellow) taxi at Tardeo RTO.
The age limit for taxis is 20 and this latest registration marked the beginning of the end for taxis in Mumbai.
It was in 1964 when Premier Automobiles Ltd was started in Mumbai under the license of Fiat Millecent. The rest is history. The 1100cc four-cylinder engine became the best choice and proved extremely reliable. So it has become a convenient option for taxis in Mumbai.
Abdul Kareem Karsekar, the man who owns the last registered kaali-peeli taxi in Mumbai, expresses his proud feelings about the Premier Padmini taxi saying, “Yeh Mumbai ki shaan hai aur hamari jaan hai.”
After a total of six long decades, i.e. in the year 2023, Mumbai is finally saying goodbye to the Fiat Padmini. Taxis are known as “Kaali-Peelis”.
After October 30, such cabins will not be allowed to operate. The reason is that the Maharashtra government has an age limit of 20 years. This rule is set for all taxis by the Maharashtra City Taxi Rules 2017.
It was the report of the Hakim Commission. Experts believe that as vehicles age, their efficiency decreases and lead to more pollution.
Farewell to the kaali-peeli taxis in Mumbai has created a storm of public reaction. Some people think that taxis should be kept in museums.
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Categories: Trends
Source: newstars.edu.vn