Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday, October 2, launched bicycles made from bamboo in Guwahati, marking a new initiative to promote sustainable transportation and strengthen bamboo-based industries in the state.
The bicycles were formally launched at Sati Radhika Shanti Udyan in Uzanbazar on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.
The initiative, undertaken by Pune-based Bamboo India Private Limited, aims to develop Assam as a hub for bamboo bicycle manufacturing while creating employment opportunities and encouraging the use of locally available resources.
The project involves an investment of approximately Rs 15 crore and is expected to generate 50 to 100 direct jobs during its first year.
Assam Bamboo Bicycle Project Targets Green Mobility
The bamboo bicycles are being manufactured at the Bamboo Park in Chaygaon in collaboration with Bamboo India.
The company has planned an initial production capacity of approximately 1,000 bicycles per month.
The project aims to combine Assam’s abundant bamboo resources with modern manufacturing techniques to create an alternative mobility product.
Sarma said the initiative could help Assam emerge as an important centre for bamboo bicycle manufacturing and sustainable transportation.
He also highlighted the potential of bamboo-based industries to create economic opportunities for the state.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Takes a Ride
During the launch programme, the Chief Minister personally rode one of the bamboo bicycles and expressed appreciation for the initiative.
He said the bicycles would initially be displayed at different parks across Guwahati to collect feedback from the public.
If the response is positive, the state government would consider extending further support to bamboo bicycle manufacturing.
The Chief Minister also stated that the quality and safety of the bicycles had been certified by recognised institutions, including the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Bamboo Industry to Generate Employment
The Rs 15-crore project is expected to create 50 to 100 direct employment opportunities in its first year.
Apart from manufacturing jobs, the initiative is expected to support local economic activity through bamboo harvesting, processing, assembly and related services.
The use of bamboo sourced from Assam could also create additional opportunities for bamboo growers and businesses involved in the supply chain.
The government has been exploring ways to increase the commercial use of bamboo and encourage industries that add value to locally available resources.
Assam’s Bamboo Resources Offer Industrial Potential
Speaking at the event, Sarma highlighted the wide range of products that can be manufactured using bamboo.
He said bamboo has applications across several industries, including the production of tiles, methanol, ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel.
The Chief Minister also referred to the growing importance of bamboo-based industries following the Centre’s reclassification of bamboo as grass under the relevant legal framework.
He said technological developments and research could make bamboo an increasingly valuable resource over the next decade, benefiting growers and industries in Assam.
Bamboo Bicycles to Be Made Available in Guwahati Parks
As part of the initial rollout, the bamboo bicycles will be placed at selected parks across Guwahati for public use and feedback.
The response from residents will help the government and the company assess the possibility of expanding the initiative.
The project also aims to introduce residents to an alternative bicycle design while promoting awareness about sustainable mobility.
Assam Looks to Expand Bamboo-Based Industries
The launch of bamboo bicycles forms part of Assam’s broader efforts to promote local resources, manufacturing and employment generation.
With an initial production target of 1,000 bicycles per month, the project seeks to connect bamboo cultivation with industrial development and green mobility.
The state government is expected to assess public feedback before deciding on further support for the initiative.
If expanded, the project could create additional opportunities for bamboo growers, manufacturers and local entrepreneurs while strengthening Assam’s position in bamboo-based industries.