Delhi may soon get a new kind of evening hangout spot where golgappas, chaat, momos and regional snacks come with better lighting, cleaner surroundings and organised vending spaces. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is planning to build the capital’s first organised street food hubs across several parts of the city. The proposal is currently awaiting approvals, and officials say the idea is to combine Delhi’s famous roadside food culture with civic facilities such as waste management, hygiene systems and regulated vending arrangements, a TOI report stated.
MCD plans modern street food hubs across Delhi
The civic body has identified six locations for the proposed food hubs in different zones of Delhi. These include an MCD market near the NDRF camp in Vasant Vihar, Shanti Stupa on Ring Road, an area behind Salimgarh Fort near the old iron railway bridge, and NSP Place near the Keshavpuram TV tower. Two more locations have also been selected in Rohini and West Zone.
Officials said some of the identified places fall under the control of other land-owning agencies. In such cases, the corporation will first seek no-objection certificates before moving ahead with the project.
Inspired by food parks in other cities
The proposed model draws inspiration from organised food parks seen in cities like Indore and Surat. However, unlike permanent restaurants or shops, these hubs will mainly have movable and non-permanent food carts.
Authorities plan to introduce standardised carts with a common visual design so that the spaces look organised and easy to identify. The hubs are also expected to function mainly during evening hours to manage crowds better and regulate operations smoothly.
Different food carts, one organised system
According to the proposal, different types of vending carts will be allowed at these hubs. These may include carts selling cooked meals, beverages, salads, chaats and single-item food products.
Each location is expected to accommodate nearly 50 to 100 vendors depending on available space. Vendor selection is likely to happen through a draw of lots among eligible registered street vendors under respective zone vending committees.
Hygiene and public facilities part of the plan
The project also focuses heavily on sanitation and public convenience. The proposal includes waste management systems, common dustbins, proper lighting, weatherproof structures, circulation areas and other civic facilities.
Provision for drinking water and washrooms is also being considered as part of the plan.
Municipal and public health officials are expected to conduct regular inspections to ensure that food safety, cleanliness and hygiene standards are maintained at all times.
Licensing system and municipal revenue
MCD is also planning a regulated licensing system for the hubs. Vendors may be required to pay registration charges, processing fees and annual licence fees under the proposed framework.
Officials believe the project can help create a cleaner and more organised street food culture while also generating revenue for the civic body.
“The initiative is currently at the planning and approval stage, with all proposals submitted to Union ministry of housing and urban affairs through Delhi govt,” an official said.
The corporation plans to first test the model at the selected locations before considering expansion to more parts of Delhi. If successful, the project could change how Delhiites experience street food in the coming years — bringing together the city’s chaotic charm and a more structured public dining setup.
