End of an Era: 1,000 Yellow Hindustan Ambassadors to Retire in Kolkata

Kolkata’s Yellow Taxis: A Dying Symbol of the City’s Past

Kolkata's residents hold their city's history close to their hearts, which is why the looming disappearance of a beloved emblem — the iconic yellow taxis — has sparked a wave of nostalgia. These once-vibrant cabs, notably the sturdy Hindustan Ambassador, have been a hallmark of the city for decades. First introduced in the 1950s, the Ambassador’s design barely changed over the years, and for a long time, it was the heartbeat of Kolkata’s chaotic streets. However, the unmistakable snub-nosed vehicle is now becoming a rare sight in the city, and even rarer outside it, as it faces an uncertain future.

The Ambassador was once the go-to taxi for Kolkata’s bustling streets. Yet, after a court ruling on emissions standards, all remaining Ambassadors will be phased out within the next three years. “I love my car like my son,” says Kailash Sahani, who’s been behind the wheel of an Ambassador for over 40 years. “It's simple—no electronics, no frills,” he reflects. At 70, Sahani feels the end of the Ambassador marks the end of an era for both the city and its iconic taxi drivers. He’s among the many cabbies forced to retire their beloved vehicles, as Kolkata grapples with tough environmental regulations aimed at addressing its severe air pollution.

At the start of 2025, only about 2,500 Ambassador taxis remained in operation, down from 7,000 just a year earlier, according to the Bengal Taxi Association. Another 1,000 are expected to retire this year, and by 2027, the once-proud fleet will be gone. “The car is strong, parts are cheap, and repairs are easy to handle,” explains Sanjeeb Roy from the Bengal Taxi Association. “But its disappearance shows how India's economy is changing, and not for the better.”

The Rise and Fall of the Ambassador

The Ambassador was more than just a car — it was a symbol of India’s early industrial ambitions after independence. Introduced in 1957, it was built in Kolkata by Hindustan Motors and quickly became a favorite for government officials and industry elites. Modeled after Britain’s Morris Oxford, the car embodied the spirit of post-colonial India. However, it also reflected the country’s economic limitations: long waitlists, bureaucratic red tape, and a lack of competition led to persistent quality issues. It became a running joke that the only part of the Ambassador that didn’t make noise was its horn.

By the 1980s, economic reforms and the introduction of more modern cars began to push the Ambassador out of the market. Production ceased in 2014, after a long period of declining demand.

Kolkata’s Changing Landscape

For many, the Ambassador’s continued presence in Kolkata is a poignant reminder of the city’s glorious past. Once the second-largest city in the British Empire, Kolkata still boasts grand colonial-era buildings and tree-lined streets, a nod to its former status as India’s cultural and commercial hub. The city was also the birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore, whose national anthem was first sung here during India’s fight for independence.

But Kolkata's fortunes have waned over the years. After losing its status as the capital of India in 1911, and with Mumbai now dominating as the country's financial heart, Kolkata has gradually seen a decline in influence. Its young population increasingly migrates elsewhere in search of opportunities, leaving behind an aging demographic.

Despite the city’s changing landscape, Kolkata’s older generation remains deeply attached to the past. “Old cars go, new ones come, but it will break my heart when the city loses another icon,” says 75-year-old retired schoolteacher Utpal Basu. His sentiments resonate with many who feel that the loss of the Ambassador is not just the end of a taxi, but the fading of an entire way of life.

As Kolkata faces the inevitable disappearance of this beloved symbol, it serves as a reminder that sometimes, progress means leaving behind the things that once defined us.

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