Mumbai, often referred to as the City of Dreams, has bid adieu to a cherished symbol of its bustling streets – the Premier Padmini taxis. These black-and-yellow cabs have been an integral part of Mumbai’s identity for decades, and while they have faced tough competition from newer models and app-based services in recent years, their official exit from the city’s roads marks the end of an era.
Last Ride on Monday
The last Premier Padmini cab to be officially registered in Mumbai received its taxicab permit on October 29, 2003. As per the city’s regulations, cabs are limited to a maximum age of 20 years, and this beloved icon has reached the end of its journey on the road.
For many residents, Premier Padmini cabs were more than just vehicles; they were a source of pride and nostalgia. Abdul Kareem Karsekar, a resident of Prabhadevi, owns the very last registered Premier Padmini taxi in Mumbai (MH-01-JA-2556). He expressed his sentiments, saying, “Yeh Mumbai ki shaan hai aur hamari jaan hai” (it is the pride of Mumbai and life of mine).
Fading Legacy
The impending retirement of the “kaali-peeli” taxis, coming shortly after the phasing out of the city’s iconic diesel-powered double-decker buses, has left transportation enthusiasts with heavy hearts. Some have fervently advocated for preserving at least one Premier Padmini cab, either on the road or in a museum, to commemorate its legacy.
A few years ago, the Mumbai Taximen’s Union made a heartfelt plea to the government to preserve at least one Premier Padmini cab, but their efforts were in vain. The black-and-yellow taxis have been an essential part of Mumbai’s history and cultural heritage.
The Premier Padmini’s history as a taxi dates back to 1964 when it was introduced as the Fiat-1100 Delight, featuring a robust 1200-cc engine. Although smaller compared to the “big taxis” of that era, like the Plymouth, Landmaster, Dodge, and Fiat 1100, affectionately known as ‘dukkar Fiat,’ it quickly became a popular choice among commuters.
In the 1970s, the model was rebranded as the Premier President and later as the Premier Padmini. Production of this iconic taxi ceased in 2001, with a few remaining unregistered units receiving taxi permits in 2003. However, now, it’s time to say goodbye as the last one bows out, marking the end of an unforgettable chapter in Mumbai’s transportation history.