Centre grants Rs 3 crore for R&D centre for Bicycle and Sewing Machine

Ludhiana, July 6 (KNN) The centre has released a grant of Rs 3 crore for the Research and Development Centre for Bicycle and Sewing Machine (R&DC-BSM) in Ludhiana.

The bicycle industrialists of the city have expressed happiness over the government’s decision to grant Rs 3 crore, but they have also sought a special package from the central and state governments, to help the micro and small bicycle units of Ludhiana.

Rakesh Pathak, general manager of R&DC-BSM, said, “With the funds released by the government, we will now soon float the tenders for purchase of the machines, and the process will be finalised by next month. As of now, we are planning to purchase dynamic fatigue testing machines and other required equipment, with which we will be able to test the parts of premium and high-end bicycles at the institute.”

“The machines will be helpful for the bicycle industry as they will fetch them new business of high-end bicycle parts,” he said.

Pradeep Wadhawan, former senior vice-president of United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers’ Association (UCPMA) said, “The bicycle industry is in a dire need of upgradation, but small units can’t afford to make themselves capable of manufacturing parts of premium and high-end bicycles.”

“Thousands of small units are dependent on the roadster model bicycles, but their demand is diminishing at a fast pace. Unless the Centre and state make joint efforts, these units would not be able to survive for long,” he said.
KNN Bureau