India, July 1 -- Moradabad, formerly known as Chaupala and also called Rustam Nagar, is one of the largest industrial cities in western Uttar Pradesh. Nestled on the gentle banks of the Ramganga River, it has long drawn water for its kilns and workshops - its artisans skillfully transforming molten brass into heirloom pieces. Today, Moradabad's handicraft industry and artistic brass-ware jewelry are celebrated across continents, earning it the affectionate nickname "Pital Nagri," or Brass City.

Moradabad sits 165 km east of New Delhi on NH 24 (now NH 9), a crucial highway bustling with trucks, buses, and aspirations heading towards Lucknow and beyond. For local entrepreneurs, NH 24 is more than just pavement; it represents a promise of t...