Mumbai, India’s energetic centre, is well-known for its busy streets and rich cultural diversity. Few sights and sounds have been as iconic and integral to the city’s landscape as the beloved black and yellow Fiat or Padmini taxis, affectionately known as the Kaali Peeli. However, on October 30, 2023, Mumbai will say farewell to its beloved taxis, which have been a part of its identity for decades.
In a country where car ownership is still a luxury for many, public transport, including taxicabs, bears the burden of keeping the city moving.
The fascinating history of Mumbai’s taxi services began in the early twentieth century, when the first automobiles, known as “horseless carriages,” arrived in Bombay. Given the exorbitant costs of owning a personal vehicle, eager entrepreneurs wasted no time in establishing private taxi services. Taxis of various makes and models proliferated as the city grew.
By the 1940s and 1950s, two types of taxis had emerged: the ‘Badi taxi,’ which consisted of large American cars like Dodges and Chevrolets, and the ‘Baby taxi,’ which consisted of smaller European cars like Hillman Minx and Morris Minors. These taxis had different fares, with the baby taxis being the more affordable option. Many of the early taxi drivers were Sardarjis, immigrants known for their honesty who arrived in Bombay after the partition.
The turning point in Mumbai’s taxi history, however, came in 1954, when Premier Automobiles Ltd. (PAL) introduced the Fiat Millecento or 1100, which was manufactured under licence from Fiat, Italy. This compact and curvaceous car, affectionately nicknamed ‘dukkar’ or pig in the local dialect, quickly became the most popular choice for taxi drivers. The Fiat’s four-cylinder 1100cc engine proved to be dependable and efficient, making it an excellent choice for the city’s challenging streets.
The Fiat taxi became synonymous with Mumbai over time, with most other competing models fading into obscurity. In the 1990s, Mumbai had over 55,000 taxis on its streets, almost all of which were Fiats manufactured by Premier Automobiles. The sight of black and yellow Fiats became a city landmark, earning them the nickname ‘kaali peelis’.
The black and yellow taxis were so inextricably linked to the city’s identity that they appeared in Bollywood films, occasionally taking centre stage. From Dev Anand’s memorable scenes with Basanti in “Taxi Driver” to Amitabh Bachchan’s memorable scenes with Basanti in “Khud-daar,” taxis played an important role in Mumbai’s cinematic and real-life stories.
The Fiat 1100 evolved over time, receiving facelifts and updates while maintaining its core DNA. It was renamed the Premier Padmini in 1975, a name with an Indian ring to it. The Padmini quickly gained popularity, particularly in Mumbai, where it outperformed the larger Hindustan Ambassador.
The Ambassador was popular in cities such as Calcutta and Delhi, but Mumbai preferred its Fiat taxis.
Today, as we say goodbye to the kaali peeli taxis, we are saying goodbye to not only an iconic mode of transportation, but also a significant part of Mumbai’s cultural heritage. These taxis have witnessed countless stories and memories as they have transported generations of Mumbaikars through the city’s bustling streets. Though Fiat taxis will no longer be seen on Mumbai’s streets, they will live on in the city’s heart and history.
The city’s black and yellow taxis have left an indelible mark, and their retirement signals the end of an era. However, the memories and stories associated with these iconic vehicles will live on in Mumbaikars’ hearts, reminding them of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
