Mumbai's beloved 'Premier Padmini', locally known as 'Kali-Pili' taxis, is all set to bid farewell to the city roads on October 30. This marks the end of six decades of remarkable service, largely due to city regulations. Fixing the age limit for CAB at 20 years. These iconic taxis, which have long been a symbol of Mumbai, were not just a mode of transportation but were deeply linked to the essence of the city.

According to an official statement from the transport department, the last Premier Padmini taxi was officially registered on October 29, 2003 at the Tardeo Regional Transport Office, which controls Mumbai. With this, black-and-yellow taxis make way for more modern vehicle models and app-based cab services, leaving behind a piece of the city's history.

Abdul Karim Karsekar, a resident of Prabhadevi and owner of Mumbai's last registered Premier Padmini Taxi, whose registration number is MH-01-JA-2556, said, It is the pride of Mumbai and our lifeline. And the heart of our city).

The development follows the recent retirement of Mumbai's iconic double-decker buses operated by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking, prompted by them reaching the end of their 15-year operational life. Mumbaikars are mourning the loss of two historic public transport icons in just a few weeks, with some demanding the preservation of at least one premiere Padmini in a museum or on the road.

Mumbai Taximen's Union, one of the city's largest taxi driver unions, had earlier petitioned the government to preserve at least one 'kali-peeli' taxi, but their efforts proved unsuccessful. Parel resident and art lover Pradeep Palav said that even though the flagship Padmini taxis have gradually disappeared from the roads, they have left an indelible mark in the hearts and imaginations of the people.

Speaking to the news agency, Mumbai Taximen's Union general secretary AL Quadros recalled the Premier Padmini's beginnings as a taxi in 1964, starting with the 'Fiat-1100 Delight' model – a compact but robust 1200-cc. A car shifter with steering-mounted gears. He also mentioned that it was smaller in size compared to other taxi models such as Plymouth, Landmaster, Dodge and the locally produced 'Dukkar Fiat'.