Lucknow: Udyam Vyapar successfully organised a community discussion and LPG iron box distribution programme in Delhi to empower ironing entrepreneurs and promote cleaner, safer, and more efficient livelihoods. The event saw participation from members of the ironing vendor community from Sarojini Nagar, Ballabhgarh, Model Town, Noida, and Faridabad, coming together to celebrate their transition towards improved working practices.
During the programme, ironing entrepreneurs shared their experiences, discussed challenges, and learned about the benefits of shifting from traditional coal-based irons to LPG-powered iron boxes. Designed for professional use, LPG iron boxes are safer, more convenient, and better suited for daily operations, offering significant improvements in efficiency and working conditions.
The event witnessed active participation from ironing vendors who have already adopted LPG technology, as well as those considering the transition. As part of Udyam Vyapar’s initiative to promote sustainable livelihood solutions, LPG iron boxes were distributed to eligible entrepreneurs. The programme highlighted how collective progress, peer learning, and community-driven efforts play a crucial role in strengthening Delhi’s ironing business ecosystem.
About The Istri Project
The Istri Project is an initiative of Udyam Vyapar aimed at transforming the traditional ironing industry. Under the programme, roadside ironing entrepreneurs are provided LPG iron boxes at subsidised rates, enabling them to shift from coal-based irons to LPG-powered alternatives. This transition results in nearly 50 per cent savings in fuel costs, saves approximately two hours of time daily, and improves service quality. In addition to economic benefits, the initiative has a positive impact on health by reducing exposure to harmful smoke and contributes to environmental sustainability.
Impact in Delhi
Over the past year alone, The Istri Project has supported more than 1,300 ironing entrepreneurs in Delhi in transitioning from coal irons to LPG-powered irons. This shift has led to increased daily productivity, higher incomes, and improved workplace hygiene.
Several entrepreneurs reported faster ironing processes, reduced fuel expenses, and higher customer satisfaction. Discussions during the community meet also highlighted that these changes are not only improving individual incomes but are also strengthening collective confidence and aspirations within Delhi’s ironing entrepreneur community.
₹100 Crore Income Growth Across India
Nationally, The Istri Project has enabled a cumulative ₹100 crore increase in income for ironing entrepreneurs across India as of September 2025. Over the past four years, the initiative has expanded from a single city to five cities, supporting more than 8,000 ironing entrepreneurs in adopting LPG iron boxes.
On average, participating entrepreneurs have witnessed a 25 per cent rise in income, along with a reduction of over 6,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. These outcomes demonstrate how targeted, livelihood-focused interventions can create large-scale economic, social, and environmental impact.
