Russian army is marching forward in safety shoes, ‘Made in Bihar’

Hajipur (Bihar), has gained global recognition for producing boots ‘Made in Bihar’ worn by Russian soldiers. Competence Exports, a local company, manufactures these boots for Russian firms. The company also produces luxury designer footwear for markets in Italy, France, Spain, and the UK.

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Hajipur, the second-fastest-developing city in Bihar after Patna, is expanding its industrial prowess beyond its agricultural roots. The city is gaining global recognition for producing footwear, including safety shoes. 

Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, a manufacturing facility in Hajipur, the Competence Exports, has emerged as an international success story by producing boots for the Russian army. 

This private limited company manufactures not only safety shoes for Russian companies but also designer footwear for European markets including Italy, France, Spain, and the UK. 

Shib Kumar Roy, the company’s General Manager informed, “We started the Hajipur facility in 2018, and the main interest is to generate local employment. At Hajipur, we make safety shoes that are meant to be exported to Russia. Total exports are for Russia, and we are also slowly working on Europe and will launch in the domestic market soon.”

Discussing the Russian army’s requirement for safety shoes, Roy said, “Their requirements are that shoes should be lightweight, slip-resistant, have special features in the sole, and withstand extreme weather conditions like -40 degrees Celsius. We manufacture the safety shoes, considering these conditions.”

The company has seen significant success, exporting 1.5 million pairs of shoes to Russia last year, generating Rs100 crore in revenue. Roy noted the tremendous positive response and predicted a 50% increase in exports for the following year, with expectations for continued growth.  To further improve their operations, Roy proposed the establishment of a training institute to reduce skilling expenses before induction.

Competence Exports also makes a substantial social impact by employing a significant number of women, thereby contributing to the local economy and providing valuable job opportunities. 

Mazhar Pallumiah, the head of fashion development at Competence Exports, emphasized the company’s goal of creating high-end shoes for global brands and revealed that they are in negotiations with a Belgian company. Initial doubts from potential partners were alleviated after they reviewed the quality of the samples.

Despite the challenges of starting a fashion industry in Bihar, Pallumiah expressed confidence in the company’s vision and the support from the government. 

This success story not only demonstrates Bihar’s potential in the global manufacturing sector but also highlights Competence Exports’ strategic efforts to expand its international footprint while nurturing local talent and employment.