Kolkata, March 1, 2025: In a bid to preserve Kolkata’s iconic yellow taxis, the West Bengal government, in collaboration with a private enterprise, has introduced a fleet of 20 modern hatchback vehicles named 'Yellow Heritage Cabs'. The initiative aims to rekindle nostalgia for the traditional yellow taxis, whose numbers have sharply declined in recent years.
The new fleet was officially inaugurated by State Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty during a flag-off ceremony on Friday. The event saw the presence of Transport Secretary Soumitra Mohan, along with several other senior officials from the transport department.
The introduction of the Yellow Heritage Cabs symbolizes an effort to sustain the cultural legacy associated with Kolkata’s renowned yellow taxis. Highlighting the heritage of the city, these modern cabs feature vibrant imagery of prominent landmarks such as Victoria Memorial Hall and Howrah Bridge.
A transport department official confirmed that within the next two months, around 3,000 similar cabs will join this modernized fleet, significantly enhancing transportation services across Kolkata.
These newly launched taxis come equipped with essential safety and comfort features, including seat belts and airbags, aligning with contemporary transportation standards. The cars will operate on both Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and petrol, promoting an environmentally conscious mode of transport within the city.
Passengers looking to avail themselves of these services can conveniently book rides through the state government’s official 'Yatri Sathi' mobile application.
This step by the government follows an earlier directive by the Calcutta High Court in 2009, mandating the gradual phase-out of commercial vehicles older than 15 years from Kolkata and Howrah, areas under the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA).
As a result, Kolkata’s yellow taxi fleet has witnessed a drastic reduction from approximately 20,000 taxis three years ago to less than 2,000 taxis expected by the end of 2025. By 2027-28, all remaining traditional yellow taxis are set to cease operations entirely.
Through this modern yet nostalgic initiative, the government aims to maintain Kolkata’s identity, balancing heritage preservation with modern transport needs.