Is Painting a Wagon R Yellow Enough to Bring Back Kolkata's Iconic Taxis?

When you think of Kolkata, what’s the first thing that pops into your head? Is it the majestic Howrah Bridge, the mouth-watering rosogolla, or the ever-so-iconic yellow taxis that have ruled the roads for decades? These yellow cabs, mainly the Hindustan Ambassador, have been the beating heart of Kolkata’s streets for over 60 years. More than just a means of transport, they’ve become a cultural emblem—an essential part of the city's heritage, serving everyone from bureaucrats to the common man. But here's the twist: despite their deep-rooted connection to the city, these taxis are finding it harder to keep up in the age of app-based cab services. So, what happens when the ‘classic’ gets a modern makeover? Well, let’s dive in and explore how Kolkata's beloved yellow taxis are being reimagined in 2025.

Kolkata’s Yellow Taxis: The New Look of Yellow Heritage Cabs

The yellow Ambassador taxis, affectionately known as ‘Yellow Cabs’, have been a part of Kolkata's streets since the 1960s. They’re not just vehicles; they’re a symbol of the city’s history, culture, and the never-ending hustle of everyday life. From the black-and-yellow taxis ferrying commuters across the city to the Ambassador becoming a true cultural icon, these vehicles have witnessed Kolkata grow, change, and evolve. The sound of their honking horn and the sight of their distinctive yellow hue became synonymous with the spirit of the city. But in recent years, the yellow taxis have been facing some tough challenges.

The surge of app-based services has completely changed the way people book rides, and let’s be honest—who wouldn’t love the convenience of booking a cab with just a tap on their phone? The result? Traditional yellow taxis, once the lifeblood of the city, are slowly losing their place on Kolkata's bustling streets. With the ease and speed of online bookings, it's hard for the old-school cabs to keep up. But fear not! The iconic yellow taxis aren’t going anywhere just yet. The government, along with a private company, has come up with a plan to bring these beloved cabs back, but only this time, they’re giving them a shiny new upgrade.

Enter the Yellow Heritage Cabs, a reimagining of Kolkata’s traditional taxis that combines nostalgia with modern flair. Launched on 27th February 2025, these new-age yellow taxis promise to keep the city's heritage alive while adapting to the demands of today’s world. These taxis have the same yellow colour that everyone knows and loves but with a modern twist. Instead of the classic Ambassador, you’ll now see these taxis rolling out in sleek, environmentally-friendly Maruti Wagon R models. Yes, you read that right—modern cars with a vintage vibe.

The Yellow Heritage Cabs are a marriage of Kolkata’s past and future. While they may look like the traditional yellow taxis on the outside, on the inside, they’re as modern as it gets. These cabs are equipped with all the essential safety features you’d expect today—seat belts, airbags, and an eco-friendly fuel option (they run on CNG and petrol). To top it off, the cars are adorned with images of iconic Kolkata landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge, making sure the city’s charm is never too far away.

But what's more exciting? These new taxis are part of the government's push to make booking a cab as easy as possible. You can now use the Yatri Sathi app to book your ride—goodbye hailing cabs off the street, hello convenience! While only 20 of these new cabs were launched initially, the plan is to expand the fleet to 3,000 by 2027. And that's not all—this move is set to bring a new lease of life to Kolkata's long-time taxi drivers, offering them a chance to continue working without worrying about high maintenance costs or obsolete vehicles.

So why the sudden push to modernise these taxis? Well, let’s face it—keeping up with the changing times is tough. The old Ambassador taxis, despite their nostalgic value, have struggled to meet the latest pollution standards and maintenance requirements. And let's not forget that yellow taxis are facing stiff competition from mobile-based taxi services, which have made it incredibly easy for people to book rides at the click of a button.

In 2024, the state transport department announced that a significant portion of the remaining 7,000 yellow taxis would be phased out by 2025, thanks to a 2009 ruling that banned commercial vehicles older than 15 years. With pollution concerns, high upkeep costs, and the rapid growth of app-based ride services, the writing was on the wall. The introduction of the Yellow Heritage Cabs aims to solve all these problems. The modern, eco-friendly taxis comply with pollution standards, and their safety features ensure they meet today’s regulations. The Yatri Sathi app makes booking these cabs simple and efficient, giving them a competitive edge in the digital age.

But there’s something even more special about this revival—it’s not just about upgrading to meet modern standards; it’s about keeping a piece of Kolkata's soul intact. These taxis represent a direct connection to the city’s culture and nostalgia, making them more than just a ride from point A to point B. They’re a piece of living history, and this new initiative ensures they’ll continue to serve as an iconic reminder of Kolkata's rich heritage.

Will the Future Generations Still Feel the Magic?

The iconic yellow taxis have seen it all—through the lens of filmmakers like Satyajit Ray and Aparna Sen, these cars have become an inseparable part of Kolkata’s story. They aren’t just a mode of transport; they represent the city's heart and soul. Just like the Howrah Bridge or the famous Bengali sarees, these yellow taxis are a symbol of Kolkata's culture, its resilience, and its ever-present spirit.

Will the new Yellow Heritage Cabs be able to capture the same nostalgic charm as the Ambassadors once did? That’s a question only time will answer. But one thing is for sure—these new-age taxis are here to stay, keeping the essence of Kolkata alive while adapting to the world around us. The blend of the old and the new ensures that future generations will still get to experience the unique spirit of Kolkata, even if it comes with a more modern twist.

So, what do you think about this new look for Kolkata’s iconic yellow taxis? Are you excited to see how the people of Kolkata will accept these new heritage cabs?