Kolkata, Dec 23 (NationPress) Over 64% of the iconic yellow taxis in Kolkata will be off the roads by March 2025 due to the 15-year service limit mandated by the state transport department.

According to the state transport department's records, there are approximately 7,000 registered yellow taxis in the region. Of these, around 4,500 will be taken off the roads in compliance with pollution regulations that prohibit vehicles aged 15 years or older from operating.

These yellow taxis, all Ambassadors, were previously manufactured by Hindustan Motors Limited (HML) at their facility in Hind Motor, located in the Hooghly district of West Bengal.

Since the company has ceased production of this specific model, replacements are unlikely.

There is some uncertainty regarding the exact year when yellow taxis first graced the streets of Kolkata. Some records indicate that the first yellow taxi may have begun operating in 1908, with a per-mile fare set at 50 paise.

However, it was in 1962 that the Calcutta Tax Association designated the Ambassador as the Standard Tax Model. The choice of yellow was influenced by the need for clear visibility, even after sunset.

In recent years, the appeal of yellow taxis has diminished due to the rise of app-based cabs offering more comfortable rides. Despite this decline, the state transport department is exploring options to preserve the nostalgic essence of yellow taxis while navigating the changes.

“Reintroducing Ambassador models is not feasible since production has halted. However, owners of old yellow taxi permits will be eligible for new commercial transport permits. Any owner wishing to retain yellow as the color for their commercial vehicle can request special permission from the state transport department. All these discussions are currently in the planning phase and need further collaboration with taxi associations,” stated an official from the state transport department.