Click to play videoKolkata: One of the most favored means of public transport in Kolkata, the taxis, have completed a hundred years in the city today. But there's not too much to celebrate for Kolkata's yellow cabs.
Seventy-six-year old Hansa Singh has driven his cab on the streets of Kolkata for over six decades. From behind the wheel, he's seen the world change, from the days of the British Raj to the days of Communist rule. And that’s what makes him proud that he chose this profession.
“I am driving taxis since the days of the Raj. I've seen the British and our own government as well. I am into full fledged public service,” says the driver.
The taxi is one of the few nostalgic icons that represent Kolkata. Countless love-tours, many a sight-seeing around the city of joy has been in these taxis.
After surviving many rounds of makeover, like the trams and the rickshaws, threat-bell has rung for the taxis too.
Some 35,000 taxis ply on these streets everyday, ferrying at least three lakh passengers. Yet owners say their business is at an all time low. Thanks to the alleged onslaught of private shuttle cars and auto rickshaws.
“Earlier there are examples where owners expanded their fleet from a single taxi to 20 taxis. These days it's just the opposite. Those who owned 20 taxis are barely managing to retain two," said SK Guha, President, Bengal Taxi Association.
Taxi service in Kolkata began a hundred years ago. They've been immortalized in many a movie by directors like Satyajit Ray and Aparna Sen. Over the years taxis evolved through various models to finally rest with the good old Ambassador. But now, like the Amby, these yellow cabs are fast losing out to new kids on the block.
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