India is home to many cities and districts that are famous for their unique identity. Some are known for textiles, some for industries, while others are recognized for food or culture. Among them, one district has earned a special name because of its strong link with bicycles. It plays a key role in production, employment, and exports, making it truly remarkable.
Before learning about this special city, it is worth noting that India has a large number of cities. According to different reports, the country has around 797 cities, out of which most are in states and the rest in union territories. Some sources mention between 780 and 813 cities, but the overall number shows the wide urban spread across India.
The title of Cycle City goes to Ludhiana, a district in the state of Punjab. Ludhiana is the main hub of bicycle manufacturing in the country. It is estimated that nearly 80% of bicycles in India are made here. In simple words, 1 out of every 5 bicycles produced in India comes from Ludhiana.
The cycle industry in Ludhiana started after the partition of India in 1947. Skilled workers and businessmen from Lahore and nearby areas, who were already involved in making cycle parts, moved to Ludhiana. This migration laid the foundation of a new industry. The first bicycle factory was set up in 1950 by Manmohan Singh Marton under the brand name Prabhat. Soon after, many other companies also started their units in the city.
By the 1960s, Ludhiana had become the heart of the Indian bicycle industry. Large-scale production began, and bicycles and their parts were even exported to foreign countries. Within a decade, the city gained recognition as the bicycle capital of India and earned the name Cycle City.
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