Assam Rolls Out Bamboo Bicycles, Targets 1,000 Units Monthly With Rs 15-Cr Plan
The project is expected to generate 50 to 100 direct employment opportunities in its first year, while supporting livelihoods across the supply chain—from bamboo harvesting and processing to assembly
Guwahati: Assam has embarked upon an ambitious plan to promote bamboo-based sustainable transportation with the formal launch of bamboo bicycles at a programme held at Sati Radhika Shanti Udyan in Uzanbazar.
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the initiative marking the state’s push to emerge as a national hub for eco-friendly mobility solutions rooted in its abundant bamboo resources.
The project has been undertaken by Pune-based Bamboo India Private Limited in partnership with the state government. It involves an investment of approximately Rs 15 crore and aims to develop Assam as a key centre for bamboo bicycle manufacturing.
The company plans to manufacture around 1,000 bicycles every month at the Bamboo Technology Park in Chaygaon.
The project is expected to generate 50 to 100 direct employment opportunities in its first year, while supporting livelihoods across the supply chain—from bamboo harvesting and processing to assembly. The bicycles feature frames made entirely of locally sourced Assam bamboo and have received certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Officials and the company have claimed that the bamboo frames are stronger than steel. Bamboo India plans to produce single-gear, geared and battery-powered models, along with children’s versions, with potential expansion to road, mountain and hybrid bikes based on demand. Production could later scale up to 5,000 units monthly.
Speaking at the launch on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Mr Sarma expressed delight at the innovative use of bamboo. He noted that bamboo, native to Assam, has over 800 byproducts and can be utilised extensively—from methanol and aviation turbine fuel to reinforced structures. He credited the Centre’s policy of classifying bamboo as a grass for opening new opportunities in the sector.
The chief minister said that the bicycles would soon be made available at parks across Guwahati for public test rides to gather feedback. If the response is positive, the state government will extend further support, including possible procurement.
The initiative has received backing from the Assam Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), Guwahati Smart City Limited and the Guwahati Municipal Corporation. Bamboo India has previously used Assam bamboo for products such as toothbrushes and combs. Following an invitation from the state government, the company proposed the bicycle manufacturing project, positioning Assam’s “green gold” as a material for modern, sustainable everyday use rather than traditional crafts alone. The launch blends Assam’s rich bamboo heritage with contemporary technology, aiming to promote green mobility, local value addition and rural livelihoods while reducing the carbon footprint of transportation.