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Kolkata's iconic yellow taxis get a green makeover: 30 new dual-fuel cabs hit the streets

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The legacy of Kolkata’s iconic yellow taxis received a fresh lease on life on Tuesday, as 30 new-generation, eco-friendly cabs joined the city’s streets, blending vintage charm with modern sustainability.

Powered by a dual fuel system — compressed natural gas (CNG) and battery — these taxis mark a significant step in reducing the city’s dependence on diesel-powered vehicles.

With this rollout, the total number of new-age yellow cabs in Kolkata has now reached 80, all operated via the Yastri Sathi mobile app, making them easily accessible to tech-savvy commuters.

The initiative, led by Premier Car World in collaboration with Maruti Suzuki , seeks to revive the spirit of Kolkata’s classic yellow Ambassador taxis — long considered a cultural emblem of the city — while meeting modern environmental standards. The new fleet is based on the Maruti Suzuki WagonR, known for its efficiency, compact design, and urban friendliness.

“This is where heritage meets innovation,” said Ramesh Chandra Agarwal of Car World during the launch event. “We are not just delivering vehicles; we are reviving an emotion deeply woven into Kolkata’s identity. Our goal is to introduce around 3,000 such vehicles this financial year, making the city’s transport cleaner and more efficient.”

Joydip Mukherjee of Heritage Mobility, the company managing the fleet, highlighted the enthusiastic public response. “There’s been a tremendous uptick in demand through the Yastri Sathi App . Passengers are thrilled to see the familiar yellow cab in a modern avatar,” he said.

For decades, the yellow Ambassador taxi stood as an enduring symbol of Kolkata’s bustling life, captured in films, artworks, and the memories of locals and tourists alike. However, regulatory changes and environmental concerns led to a gradual phasing out of these diesel-powered classics.

The newly launched fleet not only pays homage to that history but also ushers in a cleaner, more efficient era of public transport. With modern amenities, eco-friendly technology, and a nod to nostalgia, the new yellow taxis promise a smoother, greener ride through the City of Joy.
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