Mumbai, the bustling metropolis renowned for its vibrant culture and indomitable spirit, is on the cusp of bidding adieu to an iconic feature of its streets – the ‘Premier Padmini’ taxis. These black-and-yellow cabs, which have woven themselves into the very fabric of the city for decades, are set to take their final ride on Monday, October 30. This poignant departure echoes the recent retirement of Mumbai’s iconic red double-decker diesel buses, an emblem of the city’s identity, operated by the BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) undertaking.

An official from the transport department disclosed that the final Premier Padmini taxi received its registration at the Tardeo RTO, which governs Mumbai’s island city. The driving force behind their exit is the city’s 20-year age limit for taxi operations. As the clock strikes Monday, Mumbai will officially bid adieu to the Premier Padmini taxi, marking the culmination of an illustrious era.

Abdul Kareem Karsekar, a resident of Prabhadevi, takes immense pride in being the owner of the last registered Premier Padmini taxi in Mumbai. He affectionately describes these iconic taxis as “Yeh Mumbai ki shaan hai aur hamari jaan hai” (it is Mumbai’s pride and my life). This transition follows closely on the heels of the retirement of the city’s last iconic diesel-powered double-decker buses, which had dutifully served the city for 15 years.

The retirement of these two once-ubiquitous and indispensable modes of public transportation in such quick succession has left transportation enthusiasts in Mumbai grappling with a profound sense of loss. Some among them passionately advocate for the preservation of at least one ‘Premier Padmini,’ either on the road or within the confines of a museum.

Several years ago, the Mumbai Taximen’s Union, one of the city’s prominent taxi driver unions, had implored the government to safeguard at least one ‘kaali-peeli’ (black-and-yellow) taxi. Regrettably, their appeal remained unanswered. Pradeep Palav, a resident of Parel and a fervent art aficionado, reflects upon the fact that, while Premier Padmini taxis may have slowly vanished from the streets, they continue to occupy a cherished place within the hearts and imagination of the people.

He aptly observes, “Today, numerous car models serve as taxis, but when one envisions a taxi, it’s the black-and-yellow Premier Padmini that materializes in our thoughts. For nearly five decades, it dominated Mumbai’s streets and imprinted an enduring identity on the city’s taxis.”

The iconic black-and-yellow Premier Padmini taxis, symbolic of Mumbai’s essence, are now embarking on their final journey away from the city’s thoroughfares. The last Premier Padmini taxi was registered in 2003, and now it has reached the culmination of its 20-year operational limit, leaving transport enthusiasts with a tinge of melancholy.

For decades, the image of Mumbai remained incomplete without the presence of these iconic taxis. Today, newer models and app-based ride services have edged them out, marking the end of an era. The 20-year age limit regulation for taxis in the city has finally taken its toll.

Abdul Kareem Karsekar, a resident of Prabhadevi and owner of the last registered Premier Padmini taxi (MH-01-JA-2556) in Mumbai, deeply understands its significance. His sentiment, “Yeh Mumbai ki shaan hai aur hamari jaan hai” (it is Mumbai’s pride and my life), encapsulates the profound attachment many harbor for these iconic taxis.

The departure of these ‘kaali-peeli’ taxis, following closely on the heels of the retirement of the last legendary diesel-powered double-decker buses, has stirred a wellspring of emotions among transportation enthusiasts. Many fervently advocate for the preservation of at least one Premier Padmini taxi, whether on the road or enshrined within a museum. Mumbai’s urban landscape is undeniably evolving, but the memories of these beloved taxis will continue to thrive in the hearts of its people, forever etched in the annals of the city’s history.