India's Bicycle Economy
Ludhiana: The Cycle City
How Ludhiana in Punjab became the centre of India's bicycle industry with thousands of small parts makers, and how clusters lower costs.
Ludhiana is India’s cycle capital.
The cluster
- Most of India’s bicycles and parts are made in and around Ludhiana.
- Thousands of small firms make frames, chains, rims, spokes, saddles and more.
Agglomeration
- Firms share suppliers and skilled workers.
- Competition keeps costs low.
History
After Partition in 1947, refugee entrepreneurs helped build the industry.
Other industries
Ludhiana also makes hosiery, knitwear and machine tools.
Challenges
Small firms struggle to invest in technology and quality.
The parts market
A bicycle assembler in Ludhiana buys rims, chains and saddles from neighbouring workshops within a few kilometres.
Thinking one factory makes a whole bicycle
Many small firms make parts.
Key takeaways
- Ludhiana is India's cycle capital.
- Thousands of small firms make parts.
- Clusters lower costs.
- Partition refugees built the industry.
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