The Union Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, has embarked on an innovative initiative to revolutionize street food culture in India. The ambitious scheme aims to establish 100 food streets in 100 districts nationwide, promoting hygienic cooking and sales practices among street vendors. Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has been selected as one of the local bodies to spearhead this transformative project, receiving a substantial grant of Rs one crore from the Central Government.
The pilot project will be situated near the Narendra Nagar Railway Over Bridge (RoB) on the parallel Ring Road, occupying a 20×80 meter land strip. Civic officials anticipate that the success of this venture will pave the way for its replication in other areas of the city. Inspired by Indore’s acclaimed ‘Indore 56 Food Street,’ renowned for its cleanliness and lively street food scene, the scheme prioritizes the preparation and sale of food in a sanitary environment.
Key features of the scheme include financial support from the Central Government to local bodies for the development of food streets, aiming to uplift the standards of street food while bolstering the livelihoods of vendors. With NMC at the forefront, this initiative seeks to redefine street food culture, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable culinary experience for all.
The NMC has selected a 20×80 meter land strip near the Narendra Nagar Railway Over Bridge (RoB) on the parallel Ring Road for a pilot project, following thorough deliberations and surveys by its Project Division.
The chosen land, previously a defense railway siding and currently a garbage dump, is considered ideal for the food street due to its ample size and easy accessibility. The project, estimated at Rs 3 crore, involves constructing 20 shops, each measuring 10×10 feet. These shops will be equipped with basic roofs and shutters, prioritizing open space to create a pleasant open-air dining environment. Additionally, a designated parking area will be established to prevent traffic congestion, ensuring a seamless flow of visitors. However, modalities for shop allotment are pending and will be addressed post the relaxation of the model code of conduct due to ongoing general elections.