Sellers hail govt’s cycle subsidy plan

The government’s proposed subsidy plan for bicycle buyers will facilitate cycle craze in the city, say shopkeepers in Jhandewalan, which houses the city’s oldest bicycle market.

Since Transport Minister Gopal Rai has proposed the government’s subsidy plan for cycle shoppers, most bicycle sellers in the narrow lanes of Jhandewalan market look cheerful. “Growing traffic congestion and rising popularity of petrol and battery-powered two-wheelers once threatened the market’s business,” said GS Bhalla, president of cycle market association.

Welcoming the government’s move, Bhalla added:  “To maintain the footfall on streets, such a proposal was needed for the market. Cycles have increasingly lost their charm.”  However, he asserted that in the past five years, the popularity of Jhandewalaln cycle market has increased, but the reason has been the attractive toys on sale.

The market has more than 100 shops, selling both bicycles and toys. “Clients from across the country come here to buy toys and bicycles,” said Avdhesh Kumar, a helper at a shop in the market, adding that hundreds of people come here daily.

The market was shifted to Jhandewalan from Esplande Road near the Red Fort around 35 years ago. “This market has a huge variety of assembled and branded bicycles. Most business depends on the sale of cycles,” said Ajay Gupta, owner of a cycle store. Cycles between Rs 800 and Rs 10,000 are available in the market, he added.

Ramesh Gupta, another cycle store proprietor, said: “Despite the attractive price range, the market has been witnessing a dip in the sale. The Delhi government’s move to check the rising pollution level has encouraged the sale of  cycles in the city.”

“Cycling is a good habit. It also helps in checking pollution,” said Anju Rakheeja, a mother of two. Hailing the government’s initiative, she said: “Where are the ramps to ply those cycles in the city?” 

According to media reports, the bicycle market in the country is valued at Rs 4,600 crore, of which the premium segment constitutes Rs 1,000 crore with a compounded annual growth rate of 30 per cent.