Republic Day 2023: “Royal Enfield” and “Bullet” are not brand-new terms in the military. In actuality, they are a result of the business connections to the Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield, London. The Second World War saw Royal Enfield, one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers, provide vehicles for dispatch riders. However, the government’s purchase of Royal Enfield Bullets for border patrol purposes marked the beginning of its relationship with the Indian Army in 1949. Since then, Royal Enfields have continued to work with the Indian Army, earning them a new reputation as combat vehicles.
Also Read: Hyundai Venue 2023 to get a serious upgrade, will come with Creta’s diesel engine, all you must know
What was Indian Army using before the Royal Enfield?
Triumphs and BSAs, which had numerous technical issues and a high rate of wear and tear, were previously used by the Indian Army. Therefore, the government considered these motorcycles obsolete and released a request for proposals for new motorcycles. Along with providing long-lasting, dependable, and better-performing motorbikes, another requirement was that, in the future, the bikes’ production must take place in India. In this way, the government could support India’s industrialization efforts while supplying the army with motorcycles. The 350cc, 4-stroke Royal Enfield Bullet was offered by the British manufacturer, who accepted the terms and circumstances of the tender.
The Indian Army personnel who evaluated the bike said it was significantly superior to the earlier models. The British firm opted to establish a factory in Madras after receiving its first order from the Indian government. Some of the delivered motorcycles were used to guard the Punjab-based Indo-Pak border. Due to the abundance of flat terrain in this location, which was suitable for cultivation, riding the Bullet was enjoyable.
Enfield India, a joint venture between Royal Enfield and Madras Motors in India, was established in 1955 and immediately began producing motorcycles there. The 350cc Bullets were shipped in kit form from the Redditch facility to the Madras plant for assembling. Enfield India purchased the tooling quickly so they could start producing components domestically as well. The Bullet that was in use in the nation by 1962 was made entirely in India. However, the 1955 design stayed largely the same for many years, and Madras produced over 20,000 Bullets every year. Due to its obligation to equip the Indian Army, the Indian arm did not implement some modifications to the gear ratios that were made in 1959.
Company’s growth over the years
The company started producing 500cc bullets in India after a few years as its relationship with the Indian Army grew over time. In 1990, The company teamed together with the Indian automaker Eicher Group. Royal Enfield was completely acquired by Eicher in 1994, making the Redditch company an Indian entity. The manufacturer then got to work improving and modernising the bikes mechanically. When the Indian company bought Royal Enfield, it was struggling in the market. However, the company’s new CEO Siddhartha Lal plans were successful, and business activity picked back up. Additionally, new models were released, and the business is now among the most successful ones on the market.
Other two-wheeler manufacturers began releasing more sophisticated models in the Indian market after 1990. The Indian Army, on the other hand, stayed with Royal Enfield and continues to use its motorcycles. A long-standing association with a team that is dedicated to serving the country well gives the brand additional patriotic worth. On joyous events like the Republic Day parade, you can also watch Indian troops performing astonishing stunts while riding Royal Enfield motorcycles. The renowned Sweta Ashwa team of the Indian Army also owns the Guinness World Mark for balancing 48 persons on a 500cc Royal Enfield motorcycle, breaking the preceding record set by Brazil’s Army Corp.
So let’s celebrate this Republic Day and praise the friendship between the Indian Army and Royal Enfield.
Also Read: Sony-Honda’s new electric vehicle Afeela to debut in 2026, here is all you need to know
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER
