TV
The iconic 'Kaali-Peeli' taxis that have lived through the ages to be synonymous with Mumbai went off the roads from October 30.
From Bollywood to business, the Premier Padmini four-wheelers have been integral to the life in this city for the last six decades. In fact, in many old Bollywood films, Premier Padmini cars and double-decker buses would be shown as the beginning shot to establish Mumbai.
These black-and-yellow taxis, are now stepping aside to make room for newer car models and app-based cab services on the city's streets.
Things to know about Kaali-Peeli:
-Kaali-Peeli taxis are known for their distinct yellow and black dual tone color scvheme, making them easily recognisable on the streets.
-These taxis operated on a metered fare system. It ensured the passengers pay according to the distance they travelled and the time they waited.
-Many if not all Kalli-Peelis were Premier Padmini cars which added to their retro charm while roaming around the Mumbai city.
-Many Kaali-Peeli taxis were converted to CNG power making them more environment friendly.
-Their city-wide presence made them the most sought after public transport system after local trains and BEST buses. And at night, the Kalli-peelis ruled the Mumbai roads as BEST buses go off the streets, making these iconic taxis the 24/7 companion of travellers in Mumbai.
-Mumbai now has over 40,000 kaali-peeli cabs, a significant decline from the late '90s when the city had approximately 63,000, which also included the air-conditioned "cool cabs" recognizable by their distinctive 'blue and silver' color scheme.
Abdul Kareem Karsekar, a Prabhadevi resident, who owns the last registered Premier Padmini taxi of Mumbai said, "Yeh Mumbai ki shaan hai aur hamari jaan hai (it is the pride for Mumbai and life for me)."
The Mumbai transport department had set a cap of 20 years on the age of these taxis. According to a PTI report quoting a transport department official, the last Premier Padmini was registered at the Tardeo RTO on October 29, 2003.
