Ludhiana-based bicycle manufacturers have identified five turnaround areas, including migrating from voluntary to mandatory minimum standards of bicycles and upgrading technology, to boost one of the oldest industry verticals. Ludhiana in Punjab manufactures 90 per cent of the country’s bicycles.
According to a joint statement of the All India Cycle Manufacturers’ Association (AICMA) and United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers Association (UCPMA) issued on Sunday, the industry ever since the country’s independence has grown to 4,000 micro and large units with 10 lakhs employment.
However, with the global trends, the bicycle demand has shifted from heavy (steel) to lighter bicycles and high premium components like multi-gear, disc brakes and suspension, it said.
In this transition of premium, bicycles demand vis-a-vis need for their indigenous supply, India is becoming increasingly import dependent, it said.
“This is gradually reducing India’s manufacturing dominance. Further, the emergence of unhealthy competition by resorting to cost-cutting malpractices particularly affecting the quality of the product to the end consumer is creating an alarming situation for the sustenance of the Indian bicycle industry,” said the statement.
