Ludhiana’s cycle industry gears up for production after Rs 20 lakh tender boost

The city’s iconic cycle industry is riding high after receiving fresh tenders worth Rs 20 lakh from other states, sparking optimism among manufacturers and suppliers. The orders, primarily for school distribution schemes, have revived production lines and morale across Ludhiana’s industrial belt.

Cycle tenders floated by various state governments across India have emerged as a lifeline for Ludhiana’s cycle industry, which has long been battling sluggish demand and rising competition from imports.

Confirming the development, Avon Cycles Chairman and MD Onkar Singh Pahwa said, “Who else apart from Ludhiana can get cycle tenders? Ludhiana got tenders and is in upbeat mood — production is in progress.”

However, industry veterans have expressed concern over the lack of similar initiatives within Punjab. DS Chawla, past president of the United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers Association (UCPMA), recalled, “A few years ago, during the Akali government, cycles were distributed among girl students. But that scheme has nearly come to a halt. While other states continue to place orders, Punjab has not issued any such tenders recently.”

States like West Bengal, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have consistently issued large-scale tenders for bicycles to be distributed free among school students under welfare schemes — injecting fresh momentum into the city’s manufacturing units.

Industry insiders estimate that out of the two to two-and-half-crore cycles produced annually, nearly 40 to 60 lakh cycles are supplied through these government tenders. Whenever such tenders are announced, Ludhiana’s cycle manufacturers — ranging from major players to small component makers — witness a surge in orders, production and employment.

“Despite being home to India’s largest cycle manufacturing cluster, Punjab’s contribution to this tender-driven revival remains disproportionately low. The Punjab Government has not floated significant cycle tenders in recent years, missing an opportunity to support its own industrial base and promote student mobility,” said Lakhbir Singh, a cycle part manufacturer.

Industry experts have urged the Punjab Government to consider launching its own bicycle distribution schemes, especially for rural and underprivileged students. Such initiatives could not only improve access to education, but also strengthen the state’s manufacturing sector, they said.