Farewell to Mumbai’s Beloved Kaali Peeli Taxis
Image Source: Holidify
In a city as bustling and diverse as Mumbai, the streets are a reflection of its rich cultural tapestry. Among the myriad sights and sounds that make up the city’s landscape, few are as iconic and integral as the humble black and yellow Fiat or Padmini taxi, affectionately known as the ‘kaali peeli.’ However, on October 30, 2023, Mumbai bids adieu to these beloved taxis that have been a part of its identity for decades.
In a country like India, where car ownership remains a luxury for many, public transport, including taxicabs, shoulders the responsibility of keeping the city moving. The history of Mumbai’s taxi services is a fascinating journey that began in the early 20th century when the first automobiles, the “horseless-carriages,” arrived in Bombay. Eager entrepreneurs wasted no time in establishing private taxi services, given the exorbitant costs of owning a personal vehicle. As the city expanded, taxis of various makes and models proliferated.
By the 1940s and 50s, two distinct categories of taxis emerged – the ‘Badi taxi,’ large American cars like Dodges and Chevrolets, and the ‘Baby taxi,’ smaller European cars like Hillman Minx and Morris Minors. These taxis had differential fares, with the baby taxis offering a more economical option. Many of the early taxi drivers were Sardarjis, immigrants who arrived in Bombay after the partition, known for their honesty and hard work.
However, the turning point in Mumbai’s taxi history came in 1954 when Premier Automobiles Ltd. (PAL) launched the Fiat Millecento or 1100, produced under a license from Fiat, Italy. This compact and curvaceous car soon became the most popular choice for taxi drivers, affectionately nicknamed ‘dukkar’ or pig in the local dialect. The Fiat’s four-cylinder 1100cc engine proved to be reliable and efficient, making it the ideal choice for the city’s demanding streets.
As the years passed, the Fiat taxi became synonymous with Mumbai, with most other competing models fading into obscurity. In the 1990s, Mumbai boasted over 55,000 taxis on its streets, and nearly all of them were Fiats, produced by Premier Automobiles. The sight of black and yellow Fiats became a hallmark of the city, earning them the moniker ‘kaali peelis.’
The black and yellow taxis were so deeply intertwined with the city’s identity that they found their way into Bollywood films, occasionally even taking center stage in the narrative. From Dev Anand in “Taxi Driver” to Amitabh Bachchan’s memorable moments with Basanti in “Khud-daar,” these taxis played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s cinematic and real-life stories.
The Fiat 1100 continued to evolve over the years, receiving facelifts and updates while retaining its core DNA. In 1975, it was rebranded as the Premier Padmini, a name that resonated with an Indian touch. The Padmini became immensely popular, especially in Mumbai, where it outshone the larger Hindustan Ambassador. The Ambassador found favor in cities like Calcutta and Delhi, but Mumbai remained loyal to its Fiat taxis.
Today, as we bid farewell to the kaali peeli taxis, we not only part with an iconic mode of transportation but also a significant part of Mumbai’s cultural heritage. These taxis have carried generations of Mumbaikars through the city’s bustling streets, serving as witnesses to countless stories and memories. Though the Fiat taxis will no longer roam Mumbai’s roads, they will forever remain ingrained in the city’s heart and history.
Team Profile
- News Writer
- Harshit Tokas is a Political Science and International Affairs Post-Graduate with a passion for understanding and analyzing complex political landscapes. Skilled in research, data analysis, and policy development. Eager to contribute his knowledge and insights to drive positive change.
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