Bihar Women Craft Shoes for Russian Soldiers, Boosting Exports to Rs 100 Crore

Chirag Gupta

Patna: In a remarkable display of craftsmanship from Bihar, women in Hajipur are manufacturing shoes tailored for the extreme conditions faced by Russian soldiers, known for their operations in harsh climates such as Ukraine. Competent Export Private Limited, based in Hajipur Industrial Area, has been producing these specialized leather shoes for the Russian Army over the past six years, with exports totaling millions of pairs.

Shiv Kumar Roy, the factory manager, highlights the effectiveness of these shoes in temperatures plummeting to minus 40 degrees Celsius in Russia. Engineered with a unique sole design that enhances grip and lightweight materials, these shoes offer comfort and safety crucial for soldiers navigating icy terrains.

Managing Director, Danish Prasad aims to elevate the company to global standards, aspiring to build a world-class factory in Bihar that would significantly contribute to local employment. Last year alone, the company exported 1.5 million pairs of shoes valued at Rs 100 crore, with plans to increase production by 50% in the coming year. Besides Russia, Competent Export also supplies luxury and designer shoes to European markets like Italy, France, Spain, and Britain.

Hajipur MP and Union Minister Chirag Paswan tweeted enthusiastically about this development, expressing pride in Bihar’s contribution to global markets and pledging support for local employees’ welfare and industry expansion.