Bowbazar chocked as yellow taxi drivers agitate against scrapping law | watch visuals

In response to a January order from the National Green Tribunal, which mandates the scrapping of yellow taxis older than 15 years, Kolkata is bracing for a significant reduction in the number of these iconic vehicles on its streets. The decision is expected to halve the existing fleet of yellow taxis, creating a major crisis for taxi drivers and their families who depend on their livelihoods. In protest, Congress-affiliated labor unions INTUC and Sevadal organized a street demonstration, drawing attention to the potential job losses and economic hardship faced by these workers.

The protest, which included members of the labor unions and taxi drivers, highlighted the cultural significance of yellow taxis in Kolkata, with iconic figures such as Uttam Kumar and Satyajit Ray known to have traveled in them. Protesters marched with photographs of famous personalities, rallying support for their cause. The demonstration caused significant traffic disruptions, particularly near the Bowbazar Bank of India junction, as yellow taxis lined Raja Rammohan Sarani, causing a near gridlock in the area.

The protest underscores the challenges the city faces in balancing environmental regulations with the livelihoods of those dependent on the yellow taxi industry.

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