October 16, 2012

End of an era for Mumbai taxis – in pictures

With a government order banning taxis over 25 years old, the number of Premier Padmini taxis has begun to dwindle and, in a few years, they will be gone from Mumbai's streets altogether

Mumbai taxis: A driver waits for customers in front of an apartment in Mumbai's suburbs — A driver waits for customers in front of an apartment building in Mumbai's suburbs Photograph: Vivek Prakash/Reuters

Mumbai taxis: Premier Padmini taxi travels along Marine Drive in Mumbai — A Premier Padmini taxi travels along Marine Drive in Mumbai. With a government order banning taxis over 25 years old, the number of Premier Padmini taxis has begun to dwindle Photograph: Vivek Prakash/Reuters

Mumbai taxis: A taxi driver takes an afternoon nap with his hand on the steering wheel — A taxi driver takes an afternoon nap with his hand on the steering wheel Photograph: Vivek Prakash/Reuters

Mumbai taxis: A taxi driver inspects the engine of his taxi at a taxi rank — A taxi driver inspects his engine at a taxi rank Photograph: Vivek Prakash/Reuters

Mumbai taxis: A family looks out from a taxi — A family looks out from a taxi Photograph: Vivek Prakash/Reuters

Mumbai taxis: A taxi makes it way through pedestrians and traffic on a crowded street — A taxi makes its way through pedestrians and traffic on a crowded street Photograph: Vivek Prakash/Reuters

Mumbai taxis: A taxi driver takes an afternoon nap — A taxi driver takes an afternoon nap Photograph: Vivek Prakash/Reuters

Mumbai taxis: A taxi driver waits at a signal during rush hour — A taxi driver waits at a signal during rush hour Photograph: Vivek Prakash/Reuters

Mumbai taxis: A driver demonstrates the manually-operated fare meter — A driver demonstrates the manually operated fare meter Photograph: Vivek Prakash/Reuters

Mumbai taxis: A driver stands among parked taxis near Santa Cruz domestic airport, Mumbai — A driver stands among parked taxis near Santa Cruz domestic airport, Mumbai Photograph: Vivek Prakash/Reuters

Mumbai taxis: A goat walks past a mechanic sitting inside a taxi before it's scrapped — A goat walks past a mechanic sitting inside a taxi before it is scrapped at a scrapyard Photograph: Vivek Prakash/Reuters

Mumbai taxis: A mechanic sits on a seat salvaged from a scrapped taxi at a workshop — A mechanic sits on a seat salvaged from a scrapped taxi at a workshop Photograph: Vivek Prakash/Reuters

Mumbai taxis: A de-registered Premier Padmini taxi covered in dust — A de-registered Premier Padmini taxi covered in dust with hearts etched on its windows inside a scrapyard in Mumbai Photograph: Vivek Prakash/Reuters

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