Kolkata Introduces Clean-Fuel Yellow Taxis for a Greener Future
Kolkata, February 7, 2025 – Kolkata’s beloved yellow taxis are getting a modern, eco-friendly upgrade, thanks to the state government’s decision to allow luxury cabs to adopt the classic yellow colour while running on clean, CNG-powered engines. This initiative not only aims to preserve the city’s iconic taxi fleet but also offers a sustainable solution for the future of urban transport. At the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) on Thursday, the state government signed an MoU with NA Mobility to roll out the first fleet of 150 CNG-powered yellow taxis. These vehicles will soon be available for booking on the government’s official Yatri Sathi app, with future plans to make them accessible on popular ride-hailing platforms such as Uber and Ola.
Saumitra Mohan, the Transport Secretary of West Bengal, and Hasibul Hussain, Director of NA Mobility, expressed their enthusiasm for this project, which is set to provide affordable, eco-friendly taxis for the residents of Kolkata. The first 150 clean-fuel taxis are expected to hit the roads in the coming weeks, marking the beginning of a larger initiative to make the city’s transport more sustainable. “We are introducing these CNG-powered yellow taxis as part of our commitment to reducing pollution and supporting green mobility in the city,” said Hussain. “The goal is to preserve the heritage of Kolkata’s iconic yellow taxi while transitioning to a cleaner future. These cabs will be available on the Yatri Sathi app initially, with the plan to expand them to other platforms as well.” Kolkata’s yellow taxis have long been a symbol of the city’s vibrant culture and bustling streets. However, in recent years, these iconic vehicles have faced criticism for their high emissions and outdated technology. By adopting CNG-powered engines, this new fleet aims to significantly reduce pollution while maintaining the distinctive yellow appearance that Kolkata residents and visitors hold dear.
The Yatri Sathi app, which is run by the state government, will serve as the primary booking platform for these new clean-fuel taxis, making it easier for passengers to book rides. In the future, the taxis will also be available on major ride-hailing services, giving passengers more options and access to eco-friendly transportation. The initiative also aims to help metered taxi drivers by offering them the opportunity to be a part of this transformation. Biplab Kumar Singha, Director at NA Mobility, explained, “We welcome all taxi drivers who currently operate yellow cabs to join this initiative and benefit from the new, cleaner technology. Our plan is to gradually introduce 100 new yellow taxis each month, expanding the fleet and contributing to cleaner air in the city.” In addition to the introduction of CNG-powered taxis, BiGo, an electric bike taxi service, has also signed an MoU with the state government to launch a fleet of electric bike taxis in Kolkata. These electric bikes are expected to further enhance the city’s green mobility options, providing a cleaner alternative to traditional petrol-powered vehicles.
Ankit Jalan, founder of BiGo, said, “Our partnership with the government reflects the growing shift towards sustainability in urban transport. By focusing on fleet ownership, infrastructure development, driver training, and operations management, we are ensuring the long-term reliability and sustainability of electric bike taxis.” The move to introduce clean-fuel yellow taxis and electric bikes in Kolkata aligns with the city’s efforts to address the pressing issue of air pollution. With growing concerns about the environmental impact of urban transport, these initiatives are a much-needed step towards cleaner, greener, and more sustainable mobility solutions. As the city prepares for the launch of these clean-fuel taxis, commuters can look forward to a future where they can continue to enjoy the iconic yellow taxis with the added benefit of reducing their carbon footprint. With the introduction of both CNG-powered vehicles and electric bikes, Kolkata is embracing the future of green mobility, offering eco-conscious transportation options for its residents and visitors alike. Kolkata is taking significant steps towards becoming a greener city, combining the charm of its classic yellow taxis with modern, environmentally-friendly solutions to ensure a sustainable future for urban mobility.
