Taxi union wants Premier Padmini cab model preserved

The Mumbai Taximens Union will soon ask the state government to consider preserving a yellow-and-black Premier Padmini taxi for its heritage value.

The Mumbai Taximens Union will soon ask the state government to consider preserving a yellow-and-black Premier Padmini taxi for its heritage value. These taxis have been plying the city streets for 53 years now.

A L Quadros,president of the union,said,If Dhobi Ghat can attract tourists every year,a model of the old Padmini taxi will definitely draw visitors. He plans to ask the government to consider a place like Flora Fountain in Fort or other iconic spot in south Mumbai where the model can be displayed prominently.

A recent government resolution (GR) has reduced the age limit for phasing the taxis from 25 to 20 years. Once the order is passed,Quadros said,there will be around 7,000 Padmini cabs left in the city. He said in the next five years,these will be phased out,too.

Since the first cab which was put in service in 1960,these taxis have come a long way in serving commuters in Mumbai. While the production of these cars has stopped,their parts are still available,making maintenance (of the cabs) easier, Quadros said.

He said the Padmini still makes for a good taxi as it has leg room for commuters and driver as well as good luggage space. Quadros said if the order on the GR is not passed,the taxis can still run for another 10 years.

There are approximately 11,000 Padmini cabs in service in the city at present.

priyal.dave@expressindia.com

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