In an innovative move aimed at generating revenue and promoting sustainable reuse of municipal assets, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation has decided to convert a retired city bus into a fully functional food court-cum-canteen.
The project, believed to be the first of its kind by the civic body, will be launched as a pilot initiative at the NMC headquarters. If successful, similar facilities will be introduced at all 10 zonal offices across the city. The initiative seeks to give a new purpose to a decommissioned public transport vehicle by transforming it into a community space where citizens can enjoy refreshments in a unique setting while also supporting women-led enterprises.
The concept was proposed by Transport Committee Chairperson Mangala Kekhare and is being implemented under the guidance of NMC Commissioner Dr Vipin Itankar as part of the civic body’s efforts to create non-tax revenue streams. Kekhare said an old diesel bus lying unused at the transport department depot has been identified for the project and refurbishment work is expected to be completed within the next few days.
The 12-metre-long bus, originally designed to accommodate 42 passengers, will undergo extensive modifications. The interiors will be redesigned to include a serving counter, seating arrangements, lighting, ventilation and other facilities while retaining the vehicle’s distinctive city bus appearance.
The food court will be operated by a women’s Self-Help Group (SHG), providing employment opportunities and encouraging women entrepreneurship. Civic officials believe the initiative will create a sustainable source of income for SHG members while also generating revenue for the Municipal Corporation.
Officials have estimated the cost of converting the bus into a modern food court at around Rs 10 lakh. The investment is expected to be recovered over time through licence fees and increased visitor footfall at the civic headquarters. Encouraged by the response to the pilot project, the NMC plans to replicate the concept at all 10 zonal offices, giving a new identity to buses that would otherwise be disposed of as scrap.
The initiative reflects a growing emphasis on the adaptive reuse of public infrastructure, combining sustainability, innovation, revenue generation and women empowerment under a single project.
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