Industrial future of Asansol lies in the 'Sarathi' project: State Urban Development Minister demands industrial revival in the closed bicycle factory
Staff Reporter: Local residents are seeing a new ray of hope in the industrial belt centered around Asansol's traditional closed bicycle factory. Following the announcement by the State Chief Minister, the State Urban Development Minister has further intensified speculation about industrial revival, highlighting the 'Sarathi' bicycle project. The Minister's remarks indicated that the distribution of bicycles to school students under the state's 'Sarathi' project could open up new horizons for Asansol's future industrialization and employment.
On Saturday, bicycles were handed over to students at a special event organized at Ballavpur Ramgopal Saraf Vidyapith School in the Asansol South assembly constituency. Attending this program held under the 'Sarathi' project, the Urban Development Minister set an example of immense warmth and closeness to the common people by riding a bicycle himself and sharing the mid-day meal with the students. His spontaneous presence generated great enthusiasm among the teachers, students, and parents present at the event. Additionally, special emphasis was placed on maintaining transparency and quality in government projects.
While addressing the event, the Minister strongly advocated for rebuilding Asansol as a major hub for bicycle manufacturing. A look into history reveals that the famous Sen-Raleigh bicycle factory in Asansol, which began its journey in 1952, produced 'Balaka' or 'Hammer' brand bicycles that were acclaimed not only in West Bengal and India but also in the international market. This factory, a source of employment for thousands of workers, completely shut down in 2001 after losing its former glory, severely hitting the local economy and numerous families. However, despite being closed, the old infrastructure and the tradition associated with the vast land are still considered one of the invaluable assets of this region.
Just a few days ago, the state government clearly stated that henceforth, the bicycles for the state's 'Sarathi' project will not be imported from outside, but will be manufactured in India and indeed within the state itself. Recalling this policy decision of the government, the Urban Development Minister assured that strong administrative initiatives have already begun to clear the legal tangles and long-standing land issues of the closed factory to establish new industries there. Bicycles are not just a means of transport for students to commute to school, but a new pathway for the rural economy and the younger generation to become self-reliant. According to political circles, if it is indeed possible to make bicycle wheels spin again on the closed land of Sen-Raleigh in Asansol following the Minister's announcement, it could completely transform the sluggish economic scenario of this entire industrial belt and bring smiles to the faces of thousands of struggling job seekers.
