Cycle trade booms in Ludhiana as demand burgeons post-lockdown

LUDHIANA : With a sharp rise in demand post-lockdown, cycle sales in the city have been booming for the past two months. So much so that the manufacturers here will have produced nearly 10 lakh bicycles by July end.

Ludhiana, which accounts for nearly 90% of cycle production in the country, has witnessed a 100% growth in figures, which is double compared to the same period last year. Leading cycle brands here are having a waiting time of 10 to 15 days orders are being placed in huge numbers.

Revealing the figures, All

India Cycle Manufacturers Association general secretary K B Thakur said cycle production in the country rose from zero in April to 4.5 lakh in May and then to 8.5 lakh in June. “By the end of July, the figure will cross 11 lakh,” he said, adding that there has been a delay in supply, but the industry was doing its best to meet the burgeoning demand.

With gyms being shut due to the pandemic, people are opting cycling to stay fit, causing a surge in orders. “Premium category sales have seen a spurt. Growing environmental consciousness and experiencing clean air during the lockdown has also caused a behavioural change in people,” said Hero Cycles chairman Pankaj Munjal.

Sales have gone up in parts of Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal as migrant workers returned to their hometowns.

Avon Cycles CMD Omkar Singh Pahwa said sales of children’s cycles have also recorded a 35 percent increase.

While the demand is at peak, cycle manufacturers have been facing labour shortage. KK Seth of Neelam Cycles said, “If we call back labour, they will have to go through 14-day quarantine. We are adhering to all Covid-related guidelines, but it has impacted production, resulting in delays in meeting supply deadlines.”