Assam CM launches bamboo-made bicycles

By Dalim Phukan

Guwahati, Oct 2 : Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday formally launched bicycles made from bamboo at a programme held at Sati Radhika Shanti Udyan in Uzanbazar here, marking a new initiative towards sustainable transportation in the state.

The innovative project has been undertaken by Pune-based Bamboo India Private Limited with the objective of developing Assam as an important hub for bamboo bicycle manufacturing and sustainable transportation. The project involves an investment of approximately Rs. 15 crore and is expected to generate 50 to 100 direct employment opportunities during its first year. The company has initially planned to manufacture around 1,000 bicycles every month.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma appreciated the initiative, saying that he was delighted to witness the use of Assam’s bamboo for bicycle manufacturing on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

He said Bamboo India Private Limited was already manufacturing several products, including toothbrushes and combs, using bamboo sourced from Assam. Following the state government’s invitation to establish an industry in Assam, the company proposed manufacturing bamboo bicycles.

According to the Chief Minister, the bicycles are now being manufactured at the Bamboo Park in Chaygaon. The bicycles launched on Friday will be displayed at various parks across Guwahati to obtain feedback from the public. If the response is positive, the state government will extend its support to bamboo bicycle manufacturing in the future, he said.

Dr. Sarma also stated that the quality and safety of the bicycles had been certified by recognised institutions, including the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Highlighting the potential of Assam’s abundant bamboo resources, the Chief Minister said that various industries could be developed around bamboo-based products. He noted that nearly 800 different products could be manufactured from bamboo, including tiles, methanol, ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel.

Referring to research and technological advancements in bamboo utilisation across the world, Dr. Sarma said bamboo could emerge as a highly valuable resource over the next decade, benefiting bamboo growers in Assam.

He further said that if the experiment of manufacturing bicycles from bamboo proved successful, it could mark a significant step forward for Assam in the field of sustainable transportation.

Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, Deputy Director General of BIS Dr. Meenakshi Ganeshan, Founder and Director of Bamboo India Private Limited Yogesh Suresh Sinde and several other dignitaries were present at the programme.