T’puram: City corporation is set to launch a centrally planned food street in the city as part of a major initiative to regulate roadside food vending, promote hygienic dining, and provide sustainable livelihoods for genuine small-scale vendors. The proposal is currently under consideration by corporation’s town planning committee. A team led by mayor V V Rajesh has already inspected around 10 potential locations across the city to identify a site that is easily accessible to the public and suitable for developing the dedicated food street.Corporation officials expect the project to move forward once a final location is selected. The proposed food street aims to bring together licensed food vendors in a well-planned and hygienic environment, replacing the growing number of unauthorized roadside stalls operating across the city. The civic body believes a centralized facility will not only improve food safety standards but also reduce traffic congestion and pedestrian inconvenience caused by illegal roadside vending.According to mayor V V Rajesh, the initiative is intended to support ordinary families that depend on small food businesses for their livelihood rather than commercial operators who allegedly run multiple stalls through benami arrangements.“We want to encourage genuine, small-scale entrepreneurs who prepare and sell food in hygienic conditions. The objective is not merely to relocate vendors but to create a safe, organized and people-friendly food destination that benefits both the public and honest vendors,” Mayor told TOI.The corporation has observed that many roadside food stalls currently operating in different parts of the city function without proper authorization. Busy stretches such as Cotton Hill Road and Paruthippara area near MG College have witnessed the emergence of clusters of roadside eateries, many of which allegedly lack the required licences and occupy public spaces illegally.While previous corporation administrations had carried out enforcement drives to remove unauthorized vendors, many of the stalls eventually returned. Civic authorities believe a dedicated food street offering proper infrastructure and regulated vending spaces would provide a long-term solution instead of relying solely on periodic eviction drives.Besides improving hygiene and public convenience, the proposed facility is also expected to become a popular dining destination where residents and visitors can enjoy affordable street food in a safe and organised setting.If approved, the project would mark one of the city’s most significant efforts to formalize the street food sector while balancing public health, traffic management and livelihood protection.
