The iconic yellow taxis of Kolkata, long cherished as symbols of the city’s heritage and charm, are now at risk of disappearing. The government’s plan to phase out 2,500 taxis older than 15 years, as part of a fleet modernisation initiative, has sparked concerns among drivers, unions, and citizens. They warn of severe economic repercussions and the potential erasure of a cultural icon. To address these pressing challenges, Jharna Bhattacharjee, lyricist, writer, poet, and elocutionist, organised a thought-provoking panel discussion, ‘Harano Sure Holud Taxi,’ in association with i Communications. Along with Jharna Bhattacharjee, the panel featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Santi Das, IPS, Additional Superintendent of Police and ADC(P) to the Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal; Jayanta Narayan Chatterjee, Senior Advocate, Calcutta High Court; Debapratim Dasgupta, Film Director, Writer & Actor; Shatarup Ghosh, Political Activist; Soumyajit Mahapatra, Advisor, i Communications; Sujoy Rudra, Actor, Director, Lyricist, Composer & Singer; Anubhab Maiti, Journalism Student, Jadavpur University; Syed Rahim Nabi, Former Indian Footballer, and Sadananda Mukherjee, Hony. Finance Secretary, East Bengal Football Club. The speakers shared their insights on the yellow taxi’s enduring legacy and the potential impact of the government’s decision. They discussed the importance of preserving this cultural symbol, addressing the livelihoods of those reliant on the taxi trade, and balancing modernisation with heritage conservation. The event also highlighted the personal stories and experiences of yellow taxi drivers and passengers, offering an intimate look into the legacy of these iconic vehicles. A photo exhibition depicting the journey of Kolkata’s yellow taxis added a nostalgic touch, capturing their storied history. Santi Das, IPS, said, ‘This event serves as a poignant reminder of the yellow taxi’s cultural significance and the need for sustainable solutions to preserve Kolkata’s unique heritage. Backgrounder: • The first yellow taxi appeared on Kolkata’s streets in 1908, charging 8 annas (50 paise) per mile. • In 1962, the Calcutta Taxi Association adopted the Ambassador as the standard taxi model, citing its durability for Indian roads. Yellow was chosen for its high visibility, even at night. • Surendranath Banerjee was Kolkata’s first yellow taxi driver, receiving his permit in 1932. • Shefali Ray became the city’s first female yellow taxi driver in 2009, inspiring many with her determination. • A study reveals that the number of yellow taxis has reduced from 18,000 in 2020 to just 6,000 today, especially after the COVID situation.
