Kapurthala Firm Builds Boats to Help Punjab Flood Victims

Post by : Armust Desk

Punjab has been hit hard by floods in 2025, with heavy rains and overflowing rivers submerging large parts of the state. Thousands of people are stranded, and the floods have destroyed homes, roads, and farmlands. In this time of crisis, many communities and organizations are stepping forward to help the flood victims. One such effort has come from a small company in Kapurthala, named Hanspal Traders. This company, which usually manufactures railway coach parts for trains, has shifted its focus to helping the people affected by floods.

The owner of the company, Pritpal Singh Hanspal, took the initiative to use his company’s resources to produce boats that could help in rescue and relief efforts. His goal was simple – to provide immediate support to people stranded in waterlogged areas and to make sure that essential supplies could reach those in need. The company’s workers, despite facing difficulties themselves, came together to make this possible.

From Rail Parts to Rescue Boats

Hanspal Traders is known for making parts for railway coaches, supplying to factories, and railway maintenance units. Manufacturing these parts requires skilled labor, precise tools, and strong metalworking abilities. Pritpal Singh Hanspal realized that these same skills and tools could be used to manufacture boats, which were urgently needed in flood-affected areas.

The company started building boats during the previous year’s floods and received praise for its quick and effective response. This experience encouraged them to expand the project this year. During the 2025 floods, the company had already produced around 50 boats of different sizes. These boats are now being used in several flood-hit areas to rescue stranded people, transport supplies, and even help farmers save their livestock.

A Spirit of Sewa (Voluntary Service)

Pritpal Singh Hanspal emphasizes that their work is an act of “sewa,” which means voluntary service to the community. He said that helping people in distress is more important than business profits during a natural disaster. This spirit of selfless service has inspired many of his employees to contribute extra hours, often working late into the night to complete boats.

Despite a 60% reduction in workforce due to the floods affecting local communities, the team continued working tirelessly. Hanspal Traders has also shared its boat designs with other small factories and local artisans so that they too can produce boats for flood relief. This collaborative approach has multiplied the impact and allowed more people to receive help faster.

Different Types of Boats for Different Needs

The company is producing several types of boats to serve various purposes. Smaller boats can carry 8-10 people and are perfect for reaching households trapped by floodwaters. Larger boats, known locally as ‘berra,’ have a capacity of up to 20 tonnes and can transport livestock, food supplies, and even groups of people from submerged villages to safer areas.

These boats are made of durable materials that can withstand strong water currents, making them ideal for rescue operations. The workers at Hanspal Traders use their knowledge of metalwork and engineering to ensure the boats are safe and reliable. Each boat is tested before it is sent out to the field, ensuring that rescue teams can rely on it in emergencies.

Helping Farmers and Villagers

The floods have affected more than 3.5 lakh people in Punjab, submerging over 1.75 lakh hectares of farmland. Many farmers have lost their crops, and animals have been stranded in waterlogged fields. The boats built by Hanspal Traders are playing a crucial role in helping farmers save their livestock and evacuate safely from flooded areas.

Villagers in remote areas often have no access to roads or motor vehicles during floods. In these regions, boats are the only way to provide emergency supplies like food, water, medicines, and clothing. By producing boats quickly and sharing designs with others, Hanspal Traders has helped ensure that rescue operations can reach even the most isolated communities.

A Community Effort

The efforts of Hanspal Traders have inspired others in Kapurthala and nearby towns. Local factories, small businesses, and individuals have started producing boats and helping in relief operations after seeing the company’s initiative. This collective effort has strengthened community bonds and provided hope to flood victims, showing that local solutions can make a big difference in times of crisis.

The initiative also highlights the importance of using local resources and skills to respond to emergencies. By repurposing their factory’s equipment and expertise, Hanspal Traders has shown that even a small company can make a significant impact.

Lessons from the Floods

The floods have brought many hardships, but they have also revealed acts of courage, kindness, and cooperation. Companies like Hanspal Traders are demonstrating how industries and communities can come together to address emergencies.

Pritpal Singh Hanspal’s work reminds us that in times of natural disasters, every effort counts. Even a small factory can save lives and protect livelihoods. By showing solidarity and offering practical support, individuals and organizations can help communities recover faster.

As the floodwaters slowly recede, the need for rescue operations continues. Hanspal Traders plans to keep producing boats and assisting rescue teams until the situation improves. They are also preparing to help with rebuilding efforts, providing equipment, and assisting affected families in returning to their homes safely.

Hanspal Traders, boat manufacturing, flood relief, rescue operations