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Photos: Mumbai’s Kaali-Peeli taxis now consigned to history bin

Updated On Jun 15, 2017 11:48 AM IST

Named after a legendary Indian queen and were synonymous with Mumbai for half a century but the last Premier Padmini taxis will soon embark on their final journey -- to the scrapyard. The compact black-and-yellow cabs, designed on an Italian Fiat and often boasting elaborately patterned interiors, were once ubiquitous across the congested roads of India's financial capital and have featured in countless Bollywood movies.

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A Premiere Padmini taxi used as a garbage vat is seen along a street in Mumbai. Named after a legendary Indian queen, these taxis were synonymous with Mumbai for half a century with around 65,000 Padminis at their peak in the mid-1990s but a gradual phasing out in favour of newer, more environmentally friendly vehicles has meant that today only some 300 splutter around and officials predict they will disappear completely next year. These ‘kaali-peeli’ cabs will soon embark on their final journey -- to the scrapyard. (AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jun 15, 2017 11:48 AM IST

A Premiere Padmini taxi used as a garbage vat is seen along a street in Mumbai. Named after a legendary Indian queen, these taxis were synonymous with Mumbai for half a century with around 65,000 Padminis at their peak in the mid-1990s but a gradual phasing out in favour of newer, more environmentally friendly vehicles has meant that today only some 300 splutter around and officials predict they will disappear completely next year. These ‘kaali-peeli’ cabs will soon embark on their final journey -- to the scrapyard. (AFP)

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The compact black-and-yellow cabs, designed on an Italian Fiat with elaborately patterned interiors were once ubiquitous across the congested roads of India's financial capital and had featured in countless Bollywood movies. (INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jun 15, 2017 11:48 AM IST

The compact black-and-yellow cabs, designed on an Italian Fiat with elaborately patterned interiors were once ubiquitous across the congested roads of India's financial capital and had featured in countless Bollywood movies. (INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP)

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Indian taxi driver Dawood Khan, 80, drives his Premiere Padmini taxi in Mumbai. For many the passing of the Indian-built vehicle will be the end of an unforgettable chapter in Mumbai’s history. (INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jun 15, 2017 11:48 AM IST

Indian taxi driver Dawood Khan, 80, drives his Premiere Padmini taxi in Mumbai. For many the passing of the Indian-built vehicle will be the end of an unforgettable chapter in Mumbai’s history. (INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP)

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The first Padminis, an Indian take on the Fiat 1100 Delight rolled off production lines at the Premier Automobiles Limited factory in Mumbai in 1964 under a licensing agreement with the famous Italian car manufacturer. (INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jun 15, 2017 11:48 AM IST

The first Padminis, an Indian take on the Fiat 1100 Delight rolled off production lines at the Premier Automobiles Limited factory in Mumbai in 1964 under a licensing agreement with the famous Italian car manufacturer. (INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP)

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They were initially known as ‘Fiat taxis’ before being renamed Padmini, after mythical Hindu queen Rani Padmini. (INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jun 15, 2017 11:48 AM IST

They were initially known as ‘Fiat taxis’ before being renamed Padmini, after mythical Hindu queen Rani Padmini. (INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP)

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A taxi union chief in Mumbai says,‘It really is an iconic car because for so long it was the only vehicle used by taxi operators here. It must have been the largest fleet in the world.’ (INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jun 15, 2017 11:48 AM IST

A taxi union chief in Mumbai says,‘It really is an iconic car because for so long it was the only vehicle used by taxi operators here. It must have been the largest fleet in the world.’ (INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP)

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Indian taxi driver Ramdeo Yadav, 50, waits for customers inside his Premiere Padmini taxi along a street in Mumbai. Liberalisation paved the way for the arrival of more spacious, reliable, comfortable and fuel-efficient vehicles. (INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jun 15, 2017 11:48 AM IST

Indian taxi driver Ramdeo Yadav, 50, waits for customers inside his Premiere Padmini taxi along a street in Mumbai. Liberalisation paved the way for the arrival of more spacious, reliable, comfortable and fuel-efficient vehicles. (INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP)

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The number of Padminis has declined rapidly and by 2018 December there will be none left on roads. (INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jun 15, 2017 11:48 AM IST

The number of Padminis has declined rapidly and by 2018 December there will be none left on roads. (INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP)

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