Development and adoption of appropriate technologies for enhancing productivity in the bicycle and bicycle parts sector

Context

The project aimed to strengthen the capacity and capability of the nodal technical institution of the industry, the Research and Development Centre for Bicycle and Sewing Machine (RDCBSM), as well as two industry associations, the All India Cycle Manufacturers’ Association (AICMA) and the United Cycle Parts Manufacturers Association (UCPMA), enabling them to provide better technical and management support to manufacturers. The overall objective was to strengthen the global competitive position of the Indian bicycle industry.

Activities

The project facilitated comprehensive technical capacity and capability upgrading for the RDCBSM and the associations through a combination of soft interventions (including technology transfer; technical workshops and international study tours; fellowship training programmes; partnerships with international organizations; and hands-on training programmes) and hard interventions (procurement of equipment for the testing facility of the RDCBSM). These interventions provided the beneficiary institutions exposure to, and knowledge of, best available technologies and best practices across the global bicycle industry, and positioned them to transfer knowledge and provide enhanced support to manufacturers. These interventions were based on a detailed analysis of the baseline scenario, i.e. the existing capacities and skills of RDCBSM, AICMA and UCPMA and the needs of the industry.

Achievements

The project’s overall achievements are outlined below:

1. This project has contributed to improved industry performance, supported by the industry statistics given below:
1. The bicycle exports increased from USD 293 million in 2016-17 to USD 372 million 2019-20 (27% increase).
2. The bicycle imports decreased from USD 209 million in 2016-17 to USD 149 million 2019-20 (28% decrease).
3. The bicycle production increased from 20.7 million in 2016-17 to 23 million in 2019-20 (11% increase).
2. Industry diagnostic comprising assessment and analysis of the Indian bicycle industry.
3. Institutional diagnostic of RDCBSM, AICMA and UCPMA, including action plans and recommendations
4. Successful completion of technical and practical training programmes:
1. 172 participants trained in 07 technical workshops.
2. 14 participants trained through 04 international study tours.
3. 21 participants trained through 03 fellowship training programmes.
4. 38 participants trained through 03 hands-on training programmes.
5. Certification of personnel by the Light Electric Vehicle Association (LEVA, USA) as instructors (14) and technicians (27) in the area of electric bicycles. The project has also provided RDCBSM with basic testing equipment for testing e-bike components.
6. Signing of 7 Joint declarations for future cooperation between:
1. RDCBSM and the National Centre of Supervision and Inspection on Light Electric Vehicles and Battery Products Quality (CEVT), China
2. RDCBSM and EFBE Pruftechnik GmbH, Germany
3. RDCBSM and the Light Electric Vehicle Association (LEVA), U.S.A.
4. RDCBSM and the Kunshan Products Safety Inspection Institute (KBTC), China
5. RDCBSM, AICMA and the National Association of Two Wheels Industries, Hardware, Furniture and Related Products (ABIMOTA), Portugal
6. AICMA, UCPMA and the Confederation of the European Bicycle Industries (CONEBI)
7. AICMA and the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), Belgium
7. Setting up and operationalization of India’s first reflector testing facility dedicated to the bicycle industry at RDCBSM, after the Supreme Court of India mandated the use of reflectors in all bicycles in 2016. The setting up of the local reflector-testing laboratory under the project saved 75% on the testing cost of each set of Bicycle reflectors, as compared to automobile testing labs that bicycle manufacturers were previously using. Lower costs for reflector testing are keeping the cost of reflectors low, enabling Indian manufacturers’ competitiveness and facilitating the widespread and mandated usage of reflectors, and thereby aiding cyclists’ safety.
8. Procurement of equipment for testing facilities as per RoHS and REACH directives at RDCBSM, pertaining to hazardous and chemical substances, to support manufacturers in meeting compliance requirements for exports to international markets.
9. Procurement of a 3D printer for RDCBSM to facilitate prototyping support to manufacturers.
10. RDCBSM has been able to offer new / expanded services to the industry, and thereby generate additional revenue.