Nagpur: In a renewed push to provide organised vending spaces and curb roadside encroachments, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has revived its plan to establish food courts across the city under the Pradhan Mantri SVANidhi Yojana.
Meeting Directs Identification of Land Parcels
At a meeting chaired by standing committee chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare on Friday, assistant municipal commissioners and executive engineers from all 10 zones were directed to identify govt-owned land parcels measuring between 7,000 sq m and 10,000 sq m. Officials said the plots could belong to the NMC, Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) or any other govt department or agency.
Addressing Unregulated Vending Issues
The initiative aims to create designated spaces for food vendors and eateries, thousands of whom currently operate from roadsides and footpaths, particularly during evening hours. Besides obstructing pedestrian movement, such unregulated vending often raises concerns over sanitation, waste disposal and food safety.
Preference for Mobile Food Courts
Sources said the civic body is likely to give preference to mobile food courts and food trucks, as they would require minimal investment and little permanent infrastructure. Unlike conventional food plazas involving the construction of kiosks and commercial blocks, mobile vending zones can be developed quickly and at a lower cost. NMC is expected to provide basic civic amenities such as street lighting, drinking water, sanitation facilities, waste collection systems and parking spaces at the identified sites, enabling vendors to operate in an organised manner without significant capital expenditure.
Expected Benefits
Dani-Wakhare said the proposed food courts could emerge as dedicated dining destinations while generating livelihood opportunities for street vendors and improving compliance with hygiene norms. NMC also expects the move to reduce the growing number of food stalls operating on busy roads and footpaths.
Approval Process
Once the zonal offices identify suitable sites, detailed proposals are likely to be prepared and submitted for approval under the Centre’s PM SVANidhi scheme.
Khau Galli Remains a Non-Starter Six Years After Launch
Nagpur: Conceived as city’s first organised street food destination, the Gandhisagar ‘Khau Galli’ project has failed to take off even six years after its inauguration, with all 32 kiosks lying shut and the premises wearing a deserted look.
The project was proposed by former standing committee chairman Sudhir Raut and developed by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) at Gandhisagar Lake opposite Raman Science Centre. Inaugurated by Union minister Nitin Gadkari on January 9, 2020, the food street was envisioned as a vibrant culinary hub offering a variety of popular snacks, including pav bhaji, chaat, Chinese dishes, juices, ice creams and kulfi.
However, kiosk operators allege that the civic body handed over the units without basic amenities such as drinking water, drainage connections and public toilets. The absence of security arrangements further compounded their problems, with repeated incidents of theft reported from the premises. Operators claim CCTV cameras, electrical fittings and other equipment installed at their own expense were stolen.
The project suffered another setback due to the Covid-19 lockdown. Despite repeated demands from kiosk holders for better infrastructure and security, the promised facilities never materialised.
Proposed Food Courts at a Glance
- Scheme: Pradhan Mantri SVANidhi Yojana
- Land required: 7,000–10,000 sq m per site
- Ownership: NMC, NIT or other govt agencies
- Coverage: All 10 NMC zones
- Likely preference: Mobile food courts and food trucks
- NMC’s role: Lighting, drinking water, sanitation and waste management
- Objective: Organised vending, better hygiene and reduced roadside encroachments
