Smart cabs are replacing old Padminis. It is also ushering in attitudinal change in cabbies

Jawed Khurshid

The most visible ‘yellow-black objects’ ubiquitous on Mumbai Streets, the iconic Padmini cabs, are slowly but gradually paving way to slicker and fuel efficient newer flotilla of phoren-look  cabs.  

The centuries old Padminis are losing grounds and making way to newer, faster and smarter Esteems, Indigos and Santros. These high-end commuters’ delights are a bit more costly than its predecessor, the Padmini. But these vehicles are more fuel-efficient as the cabbies can save 25% of their fuel bills if they switch over to the new cars.

Quite remarkably, one can also discern a refreshing change in the behavior of cabbies. They try to pretend to be more customer-friendly and seem to be well acquainted with the art of hospitality.

The much touted ‘dream’ car, the Nano, was born in spite of much travail, after Gujarat’s CM Narendra Modi appeared on the scene and bailed out Ratan Tata from the Left-Mamata squabble and Singur fiasco. The rest is history.   

When Nano arrived it was touted as the world’s cheapest car that hit the roads of Mumbai. News that the smarter looking Nano would soon replace the Padminis had trickled down through the media then. It had ruffled quite a few feathers.

The ancient Padmini had faced similar challenges from Esteems, Indigos and Santros. These advantages of them had been dwarfed by the Nano, which had changed the rules of the game overnight.

This slicker and smaller car, that fits into the budget of India’s middle class, had given even the auto manufacturers sleepless nights, leave alone India’s car manufacturers.

Many city autowallas had then decided to discard their three wheelers in favour of more comfortable four-seater Nano, with its extra powerful engine and high earning potential.

Besides, the Nano takes a lot less space than its bigger cousins, the Marutis and the Hondas.  

Padminis that are soon to be part of city’s traffic history as the vehicles are gradually phased out will be replaced by Marutis, Santros, et al. Many voiced their displeasure over such replacements and wanted smaller cabs to fill the void left by Padmini’s exit.

Town planners and traffic cops believe the smaller vehicle would suit a city like Mumbai that has space crunch.