Mumbaikars are all set to bid adieu to the Padminis. The fleet strength of these cabs was nearly 60,000 in the 90s, but there are hardly a handful of kaali-peelis left on Mumbai roads now
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Mumbaikars are all set to bid adieu to the Padminis, which have been a big part of the city culture for the last 50 years. Also referred to as kaali-peelis, the fleet strength of these cabs was nearly 60,000 in the 90s. But, Wagon R, Maruti 800, Zen and Omni among others have overtaken them, and hardly a handful of Kaali Peelis are now left on city roads.
A cab driver, Mukesh Mishra, speaking to timesofindia said, "The city has around a hundred Padmini taxis actually plying on roads and these too will be replaced by the latest Eeco and i10 versions in coming months. Most owners want to phase them out before their life span ends.”
"There was always a demand for the Padminis as commuters found it very comfortable in terms of seat arrangement, leg space, less rattling, good ventilation and speed. In the '90s, I could boast among my friends and relatives back in UP that I was driving a Padmini taxi in Mumbai. It was also made popular in Hindi films,'' the driver further told TOI.
Historian Deepak Rao also got nostalgic while sharing his view with timesofindia. "Before that you had the Austin and Hilmond which were the chhota taxis whose basic fare was six annas. The bada taxi or Dodge was hired by 'sethias' or merchants who would travel from say, Malad to Stock Exchange. The minimum fare was ten annas."
Few commuters also spoke to the paper, recalling the times they took a ride in Padmini. "If I had to go to a party, wedding or even a business-related visit, I would prefer going by the Padmini as these drivers are excellent navigators and know every road and colony in island city and suburbs. Most drivers are old-timers, who have had a long association with the taxi trade, they follow traffic rules and don’t honk much,” Arvind Kothari said while speaking to timesofindia.
Even Taxi union leader A L Quadros got emotional when asked about the phasing out of Kaali Peelis. "It is a fact that commuters now prefer an advanced model of taxis, specially Santros or Wagon Rs. They will skip a Padmini on the road to opt for a new car model. But I should admit that the Padminis have done a fantastic job and served millions of commuters over the years,” he told timesofindia.
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