Ludhiana: Work on a 12km dedicated track along the Ladhowal Bypass is complete, boosting cycling infrastructure in one of India’s primary bicycle manufacturing hubs.It cost the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Rs 10.4 crore to build this 2.2m-wide track along the left side of the bypass, extending from 6.5km off Ferozepur Road near South City to the 11km mark.While cyclists have started using the route, formal opening awaits final approval from higher authorities. “The 12km track from near South city towards Ladhowal is complete,” NHAI project director Priyanka Meena said, noting that signage, cautionary markings, and safety infrastructure were almost ready.Launched on Nov 1, 2024, the project was originally scheduled for completion by Oct 30, 2025, but experienced minor operational delays. Local cycling enthusiasts and industrial leaders welcomed the infrastructure while calling for broader urban network integration.“The track can help promote cycling in Ludhiana,“ industrialist and cycling enthusiast Ranjodh Singh said. However, he stressed the need for dedicated cycling infrastructure within urban areas, including major commercial and market zones.Sarabha Nagar resident Daleep Khanna noted that bicycle commuting has declined due to high vehicular traffic and safety risks on shared carriageways, suggesting that local authorities construct dedicated tracks within city parks.Ludhiana, known as the “Bicycle Capital of India,” serves as the heart of the nation’s two-wheeler non-motorized transport manufacturing. The industrial cluster in this Punjab city produces over 50% to 75% of India’s total domestic bicycle output and supplies a substantial portion of the nation’s bicycle components.India is the world’s second-largest manufacturer of bicycles (producing over 2 crore units annually), and the Ludhiana cluster accounts for the vast majority of this output.The city houses 3,000 to 4,000 factories, ranging from large-scale original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and micro-cottage units.Ludhiana manufactures virtually all parts required for assembly — including steel tubing, pedal systems, gear assemblies, rims, chains, and saddles. This dense supply chain ecosystem allows for low-cost, highly integrated production.The city fulfills the demand for basic, affordable transportation across rural and semi-urban India. The industry supplies state government welfare schemes (such as free bicycle distribution programs for school children) and mass-market commuters nationwide.The sector is a key driver of employment in Punjab, directly and indirectly employing hundreds of thousands of workers — including skilled machinists, foundry workers, assembly line labour, and logistical personnel.Ludhiana exports bicycles and component parts worth crores of dollars annually to markets in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Europe, and North America. Lack of dedicated cycling lanes on its roads, despite its local industrial capacity, was always ironic.Industry Demands, Infra Challenges–Master Plan Integration | Harsimerjit Singh, president of the United Cycle Parts Manufacturers Association (UCPMA) — representing roughly 3,000 members — urged the Punjab govt to incorporate dedicated tracks across South City, Sarabha Nagar, and major highways into the city’s master plan— Urban vs Highway Use | Industry leaders noted that while Ludhiana is renowned as a global bicycle manufacturing centre, civic planning must enable residents to use bicycles safely for daily commutes— Encroachment Issues | Local cyclists highlighted that existing urban cycle tracks, such as the lane on Malhar Road, face frequent encroachment and illegal motor vehicle parking, compromising safety and intent.Public speak“Ludhiana is known as a major bicycle manufacturing hub, but it should also emerge as a city where people actively use bicyclesHarsimerjit Singh Lucky | UCPMA president“There was a time when cycling was the most common way commuting in this city, but it is on decline, as there is not much space left for cyclists on Ludhiana’s roadsDaleep Khanna | Sarabha Nagar residentLudhiana’s Bicycle Industry–Ludhiana is one of India’s largest bicycle manufacturing centres, with thousands of factories and ancillary units–The city’s industrial cluster manufactures a substantial share of India’s bicycles and components–From steel tubing and rims to chains, pedals and saddles, the city has an integrated supply chain–The sector supports hundreds of thousands of workers directly and indirectly–Bicycles and components are exported to Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Europe and North America12-km Cycle Track: Key DetailsLocation: Ladhowal Bypass, LudhianaLength: 12 kmWidth: 2.2 metresCost: Rs 10.4 croreImplementing agency: National Highways Authority of IndiaRoute: From near South City, off Ferozepur Road, towards LadhowalStatus: Construction complete; formal opening awaits approvalProject launch: Nov 1, 2024
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