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Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Plogging & plantation drives mark environ day in Ludh
Ludhiana: Plogging, plantation and cleanliness campaigns were undertaken across the city Thursday to mark . Several social and industrial groups, besides, of course, the municipal corporation, came together to make it all possible. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now As part of the initiative, a plogging/cleanliness drive – Plogathon – was launched from outside the office of UCPMA on Gill Road. It was flagged off by mayor Inderjit Kaur, and organised in collaboration with NGO Switch For Change, Round Table India, Federation of Industrial & Commercial Organisation (FICO), among others. It saw an overwhelming response from students, NCC cadets and volunteers. Similar drives were also organised at BCM Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh Road; School of Eminence to Sector 32 Chowk, Chandigarh Road; SDP College to Gandhi Nagar Market; MC's zone 'A' office to Bhadaur House to name a few. Over 3,000 residents/volunteers participated in the various events, and about 1,400 kg of waste was collected during the plogging drives. MC joint commissioner Ankur Mahindroo, assistant commissioner Neeraj Jain, health officer Vipal Malhotra, CSO Ashwani Sahota and CDO Maheshwar Singh also came forward to lend the citizens a helping hand during the plogging/cleanliness drives. The celebrations at Gill Road saw social activist Col JS Gill, FICO president Gurmeet Singh Kular, among others. Later in the day, MLA (Ludhiana East) Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal and the mayor took up a plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign during the event organised on Chandigarh Road. MC assistant commissioner Neeraj Jain was also present. Lauding the NGOs, residents, and civic body officials for their enthusiastic participation in the World Environment Day celebrations, mayor Kaur appealed to the public to do their bit and support the authorities in keeping the city clean and green. She said the civic body is doing its best, but a pollution-free environment and cleanliness cannot be achieved without the help and support of the residents.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
This World Bicycle Day, Ludhiana's bicycle industry pedals for global upgrades
Ludhiana: As World Bicycle Day is observed today, Ludhianvis take pride in their city's legacy as a pioneer and leader in the bicycle industry in India. However, this pride is tempered by the stark reality that the industry is struggling to make a mark on the international stage. Despite its dominance in the domestic market, Ludhiana's bicycle industry lags behind in exports, particularly in Western and developed countries. The growing dominance of China in the global bicycle market has only widened the gap, exposing the limitations of local manufacturers in meeting international quality standards and advanced design expectations. Industry representatives believe that govt intervention is now crucial to help the sector evolve and compete globally. The president of the United Cycle Parts Manufacturers Association (UCPMA), Harsimran Singh Lucky, said: "It is time the central and state govts step in and facilitate collaboration between major players like Hero and Avon, along with industry bodies like UCPMA, to form a dedicated organisation for advanced R&D. This would enable the creation and implementation of sophisticated designs demanded by developed markets. " A big market is waiting to be tapped, where China has gradually made inroads, he said, adding: "China exports 23 crore bicycles world over including West, whereas India exports about 75-80 lakh bicycles. You can see the huge difference. China's bicycle products sell for $250 whereas India goods are sold for only a fifth of the price. The gap is due to China's superior quality of the bicycles," he said. In Europe, there are 1.4 bicycles per person and they seek quality, safety and comfort, but the export market mostly for India is Bangladesh, African countries, and a few others, he said. The govt must facilitate formation of bicycle bodies to spearhead R&D, ease investment in this area, involve big players like Hero, Avon and TI to bring technology to India, innovate and excel and help democratise the technology to tap the international market, especially the European and other first-world countries. The govt must also regulate the pricing of steel and raw material, Lucky added. Despite being the manufacturing hub, Ludhiana is devoid of dedicated bicycle tracks. "Infrastructure for riding bicycles must be developed in all cities," he said. The govt, municipalities, and corporations must ensure the development of dedicated bicycle tracks in every city and town. Despite a growing willingness among people to adopt cycling for daily commuting, safety concerns continue to be a major deterrent. Even factory workers in the last decade have gradually shifted to two-wheelers from bicycles, he added. "It is being claimed that tracks have been created in Ladhowal, however, there is only for leisure. We need dedicated bicycle tracks for commuting as well," Raman, a resident said. On the other hand, cycling not only helps reduce pollution but also promotes fitness, health, and overall well-being. This, in turn, contributes to economic growth by reducing the burden of illness, healthcare costs, loss of productivity, and income. It ultimately benefits both the community and the nation as a whole, said Amandeep, a cyclist.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Empty seats soar as hopes for Halwara International Airport take off in Ludhiana
Ludhiana: Despite clear skies, city's only commercial flight continues to fly near-empty, reinforcing calls for the swift opening of the under-construction Halwara International Airport . Despite resuming operations last month after a suspension of more than three months, the flight continues to record dismal occupancy, raising concerns over the industrial hub's air connectivity. According to passenger data reviewed by the TOI, the 19-seater flight operating between Sahnewal and Hindon airports has rarely reached double-digit passenger numbers throughout April. On only one occasion — April 9 — did the arriving flight see 11 passengers. For nine of the 16 operating days until April 26, the flight carried five or fewer incoming passengers, including a complete no-show on April 2. Departing flights fared little better. On April 9 and 14, 10 passengers boarded the Sahnewal-to-Hindon service, while on eight operating days, the number of passengers was five or fewer. There was no departure on at least one day. Sources at Sahnewal Airport said the flight did not operate on April 21, 22 and 23, citing operational reasons given by the private airline. An airline official acknowledged the low passenger load, attributing it to repeated cancellations during the winter months, which hurt traveller confidence. While reaffirming the airline's commitment to continue operations for now, the official said they do not expect significant improvement until the under-construction Halwara International Airport becomes operational. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 10 Mysterious Photos That Cannot Be Explained True Edition Undo The official said: "Once Halwara Airport opens, equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) that allows landings in low visibility, passenger confidence will rise and cancellations will drop." Local industry representatives voiced frustration over the patchy service. Harsimerjit Singh, president of the United Cycle Parts and Manufacturers Association (UCPMA), said the irregularity of the Sahnewal flights was a major deterrent. "Today, no one knows if the flight will operate or be cancelled. Business travellers need certainty. We expect 100% occupancy once Halwara Airport starts regular operations to multiple destinations," he said. UCPMA represents more than 3,000 industrialists. Other residents echoed similar concerns, with businessman Mandeep Singh noting that frequent train delays and the long road journey to Delhi have made reliable air connectivity a pressing need. The Halwara International Airport project, under construction west of Ludhiana, is seen as a crucial step in integrating the industrial city more closely with major national hubs.
