Kaali Peeli cabs are on their way out
Rajnikanth, Mammootty, Aamir Khan — all owned a Premier Padmini at some point during the heyday of the four-seater saloon in India. But the Premier Padmini is best remembered for its role as the iconic Kaali-Peeli taxi of Bombay.
In October, Mumbai bid adieu to its beloved Kaali Peeli taxis, a defining symbol of the city’s identity. Their exit followed closely on the heels of the poignant farewell Mumbaikers made to its fleet of BEST buses – the diesel-powered double-decker buses – that formed the heartbeat of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) fleet on Mumbai’s streets.
Like the double-deckers, the Kaali-Peelis were an intrinsic part of Bombay roadways, shuttling passengers across the city, often seen nestled under a shade in Kala Ghoda, or parked near the busy Victoria Terminus.
In October 2003, the last black-and-yellow Premier Padmini taxi was officially registered by the Tardeo RTO, which oversees Mumbai. The city’s taxi age limit is 20 years, so this event signaled the beginning of the end for Kaali Peelis in the island city.
Kaali-Peeli Nostalgia
While occasional travelers to the City of Dreams remember nostalgic rides in the black and yellow cabs that dotted the cityscape, Mumbaikars had far more emotional ties to their beloved Kaali Peelis.
“I remember … when I went to Nariman Point for an interview and had to catch a flight in the evening,” said IT professional Siddharth Shandilya. He was headed out after the interview to the seaside when it suddenly started to rain.
“I had no place to take shelter but in no time a Kaali-Peeli came and the driver asked me to get in,” Shandilya remembers. “We kept sitting inside till the rain stopped. I offered the driver some money instead of the help he extended, but he just smiled and said ‘kya saab kay ku sharminda kar re.’ I was speechless.”
For Mumbaikers like Shandilya, the Kaali Peeli isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s an emotion etched in the memories of its residents. “I remember many incidents when (the) Kaali Peeli was a savior,” added Shandilya
A childhood companion
For 23-year-old Thane-based journalist Swarali Bodas, the iconic Kaali Peelis were threads weaving through the fabric of her childhood. They were cherished companions who ferried her across the bustling city on annual summer visits to her grandparents’ house in the heart of Mumbai.
“Now that they are off the roads, I do feel a bit bad, as if a part of my childhood has completely slipped away,” she said wistfully.
The Kaali Peelis were an inseparable part of her grandfather’s daily life. “My maternal grandfather, in his unwavering love for these taxis, had a ritual. If the meter showed 79 rupees, he would hand over a 100 rupee note, insisting they keep the change. This happened almost every day, endearing him to the local taxi drivers’ union.”
In a poignant testament to his bond with the Kaali Peeli community, many taxi drivers attended his funeral in 2015, revealed Bodas.
Goodbye and Hello!
Singer and musician Ryan Dias navigates the city’s notorious traffic, often opting for autorickshaws over traditional cabs. He has lived in Mumbai for 16 years. While Dias acknowledges the sentimental value of the black and yellow cabs, he prefers ridesharing services.
“While the black and yellow cabs occupy a special place in many hearts, my preference leans towards convenience, comfort, and efficiency to match Mumbai’s pace. Those cabs have become obsolete, and it’s reasonable to move away from things that no longer serve us well,” he explained.
Mumbai’s dynamic environment demands modern transportation that offers a smoother experience on the city’s bustling roads. Environmental concerns influence this outlook. Certain cars have a lifespan agrees Bodas, who supports the phasing out of Kaali-Peeli cabs.
But progress should also include preserving the essence of Mumbai’s heritage she adds. “If ever there’s a museum dedicated to Mumbai, some of these cars must be preserved! Kaali Peelis are truly a part of Mumbai’s cultural heritage,”
