After Trams, Will Kolkata's Iconic Yellow Ambassador Taxi Ride Into The Sunset?

Kolkata is known for its diverse modes of transportation, which are an essential part of its urban character. From the yellow Ambassador taxis and cycle rickshaws to the trams and the pioneering Metro Rail—Kolkata proudly holds the distinction of being the first city in India to introduce metro rail back in 1984, long before any other city followed suit.

In recent years, many beloved modes of transport have started to wane under the pressure of modernity, giving way to the surge of app-based cab services that cater to the fast-paced lifestyle of urban dwellers. It’s a bittersweet transition, as these cherished vehicles may soon become mere design motifs adorning fridge magnets, trendy tote bags, and notepad covers, evoking nostalgia rather than serving the streets.

The latest casualty in this shift is the legendary yellow Ambassador taxis, once a ubiquitous presence on Kolkata's bustling roads. These sturdy vehicles are being phased out due to mounting pollution concerns, making way for a fleet of 20 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R cars, all painted the same cheerful yellow. However, despite retaining the iconic hue, many locals feel that these modern replacements lack the Ambassador's distinctive charm and rich legacy, leaving a palpable sense of loss as a significant piece of Kolkata's transport heritage fades into memory. Many are comparing the move to the phasing out of another Kolkata heritage, trams.

More Than Just A Taxi

The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R cabs are currently available on the Yatri Sathi platform and are being driven by experienced yellow taxi drivers who transport passengers across the city. Their number is expected to increase to 150 in the coming months. By the end of the year, approximately 1,000 new yellow cabs are anticipated to be operating on the city roads. Authorities state that this new fleet will help preserve the cultural identity of an iconic mode of transportation in Kolkata.

However, people are not convinced. "I always make it a point to take yellow cabs whenever I can," says Sreejonee Manna, a young IT professional in Kolkata. "For me, they are a part of Kolkata’s heritage and old-world charm, just like Mumbai has its 'kaali peelis' with the old Premier fleet. I don’t think introducing new cabs in yellow would do justice. We are attached to the Ambassador cars; it’s more than just a mode of transport."

Cultural Motif

For decades, the yellow Ambassador taxis have been synonymous with Kolkata, appearing in literature, films, and countless Instagram posts. They represent an integral part of the city's identity. These taxis are more than just modes of transportation; they hold unique cultural significance. They have witnessed countless stories of love, loss, and life in the City of Joy. They transport hurried office workers, provide leisurely rides through the monsoon, and accompany people on their Durga Puja pandal-hopping adventures.

There was a time when you would hear a loud call of "Taxi!"—a typical way to flag down a passing yellow Ambassador cab—or see someone standing in the middle of the road, signalling for one to stop with a wave of their hand. "If fortune smiled upon you, you’d discover a handful of diligent drivers who adhered to the metre and navigated the city with impressive efficiency, taking the most direct routes to your desired destination," recalls Devleena Gupta, a consultant with an E-learning company. She says she increasingly started taking app-based cabs as the yellow taxi fares increased.

Taxi stands were a familiar sight in neighborhoods like Bhowanipore. Until recently, you could witness a picturesque scene of rows of Hindustan Ambassador taxis patiently lined up, their distinctive silhouettes against the backdrop of landmarks such as Howrah Station and the grand Oberoi Hotel on the Esplanade. These iconic taxis found a unique place in the hearts of the middle class, individuals who couldn't stretch their budgets to own a vehicle yet were willing to invest a little more for the comfort of a ride through the vibrant urban landscape.

The iconic yellow Ambassadors have graced the silver screen in various films over the decades. The nostalgic charm of these cars was showcased in Satyajit Ray's acclaimed "Calcutta Trilogy" during the 1970s, capturing the essence of the city's bustling streets and rich narratives in Aparna Sen's poignant drama "36 Chowringhee Lane" (1981), and more recently, in Vidya Balan's "Kahaani" (2012).

How The Yellow Ambassador Taxi Came To Be

Yellow taxis have been an integral part of Kolkata's transport history for many years. After India gained independence, a significant moment in the journey towards self-sufficiency occurred in 1948 with the establishment of the Hindustan Motors factory in Uttarpara, founded by the notable Birla Technical Services industrial group. This marked an important step in the country's automotive evolution. In 1958, Hindustan Motors began producing the iconic Ambassador, a vehicle based on the 1956 Morris Oxford Series III and designed by the renowned British automotive designer Sir Alexander Issigonis, who is also known for creating the Mini and Morris Minor.

The Ambassador quickly won the affection of the Indian public due to its timeless aesthetic, spacious interior, and strong performance. In 1962, the Calcutta Taxi Association recognised the Ambassador's potential as a taxi and led the transformation of this car into a common sight on the streets of the city. To make these taxis easily recognisable, they were painted a striking yellow.

However, as time went on, the production of the Ambassador began to decline, overshadowed by the growing presence of foreign automobile brands in the Indian market. This decline culminated in a poignant moment in May 2014, when the last Hindustan Ambassador rolled off the assembly line, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian automobile manufacturing and the lasting legacy of a vehicle that has been a vital part of Kolkata's identity for decades.

A Heritage To Preserve

Critics of the recent move emphasise the iconic London cabs, which have undergone numerous changes before evolving into the original black taxis that now symbolise the city. These black taxis are a familiar sight on the streets of London and represent an important emblem of both the city and Britain. "If London can do it, why can't we figure it out?" asks Sohini Gupta, a 50-something E-Learning consultant in Kolkata.

She draws a parallel to the trams that are being removed from the roads in Kolkata. "Trams were once celebrated as Kolkata's lifeline, but they are gradually fading into the background of the city." This situation strikes her as particularly ironic in today's context, where there is a strong emphasis on living a sustainable lifestyle. Several studies have shown that trams are the most energy-efficient mode of transport after walking and cycling, as they produce no tailpipe emissions. "They are part of the city’s heritage and should be preserved as such," she adds.

Towards Alternatives

In several countries across Europe and beyond, city planners increasingly recognise the importance of public transport for urban areas. It promotes efficient and sustainable mobility, reduces congestion and pollution, and enhances economic and social equity by providing accessible and affordable transportation options for all residents.

"It is sad to see that the government is increasingly disinvesting in public transport and more and more private players are coming into the space of public mobility," says Dinesh Gopalan, a senior accountant. "These moves will only make public transportation more expensive, causing additional burden on an already financially exhausted lower/middle-income group. Public transportation should strictly be a "not for profit" domain."