The domestic automotive sector is dynamic these days, a far cry from when only Ambassador and Premier cars were available to stamp “third world” on every Indian road. Funnily enough, we may have to thank Sanjay Gandhi for triggering the change. Had his original Maruti not been such an unmitigated disaster, his “Mummy” might not have felt compelled to save family prestige and turn to foreign sources to disprove the raging criticism of her government for backing a lemon.

Suzuki of Japan stepped in as Fairy-Godmother: the rest is history. India no longer needs to feel ashamed of the vehicles on its roads, a universally accepted yardstick of economic attainment. New models are regularly launched, a few directly imported but the majority having a strong element of domestic production that preceded this government’s “make in India” mantra. And now there is scope for both expectation, and sorrow.

First, the tale of woe. Some four years from now the classic double-deckers of Mumbai’s once-reputed bus service will be withdrawn: 72 in 2020 and the remaining 48 by 2023; they are now down to a mere 120 in a fleet of 3337 and plying only on long-distance trunk-routes. Introduced in 1937 their numbers swelled to 882 by 1993, after which a combination of high maintenance costs, expenses on a large crew and traffic congestion caused them to fall from grace.

Another 993 single-deckers will be added to keep service-quality intact. Yet for more than sentimental reasons the BEST service will never be quite the same once the red double-deckers say adieu. They were as much a part of the financial capital as Dalal Street, Malabar Hill and Marine Drive.

A couple of other cities, including Delhi, did dabble with double-deckers but they never became as integral to public transport as in Bombay ~ perhaps only Calcutta’s trams acquired the same aura. Are their days numbered too? The “tube” and Metros are taking a toll on once iconic services ~ when last did one use an old-fashioned telephone booth? And the fetish over air-quality put paid to Delhi’s phat-phats and tongas: heritage conservation attracts little more than lip-service.

On to what gives rise to hopes of a re-kindling of a special brand of thrill ~ the Jawa motor-cycle will soon be back. The 250 cc bike with a teardrop petrol-tank and twin-exhaust pipes was never the most high-powered bike ~ the honour went to the Enfield Bullet ~ but its sporty look and lively acceleration made the Czech-origin bike a real favourite. It was “affordable” and Ideal Motors of Mysore did a good job. Opinion remains divided if the “improved” Yezdi ever had the allure of the Jawa of the I960s: though production ceased some 15 years ago, many “collectors” still organise special outings. The Mahindras will re-introduce the Jawa, they are not disclosing details except that the bike will enliven the winter festivity.