Delhi government approves, Now food trucks will be permitted to operate 24/7

Senior government officials with knowledge of the situation said that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s approval of a policy on Tuesday to control the food truck industry in Delhi and establish food hubs in several locations is expected to usher in a new trend in the city, which is known for its street food vendors and snacks.

The officials also stated that the food trucks will be permitted to operate 24/7 to support the city’s nighttime economy.

The “Rozgaar Budget” for 2022–2023 released by the Delhi government included the policy as one of the initiatives intended to boost employment growth in an economy suffering from the effects of the Covid 19 disruptions.

In order to construct food courts, the government has originally designated 16 areas where several food trucks would be permitted to operate. The officials noted that if the concept is effective, it would be reproduced throughout Delhi.

According to the chief minister, the initiative is anticipated to boost jobs and the state’s economy. The Delhi residents will be able to have delectable meals even late at night thanks to this idea. Additionally, it would expand employment prospects and enhance the economy, according to Kejriwal, who supported the initiative.

The first 16 food hubs, according to officials, will be built at August Kranti Marg (near Hudco Place), Near Priya Cinema in Vasant Vihar, DDA Park in Rohini, Mandir Marg in Vasant Kunj, Press Enclave Road in Saket, and parking lots for the Delhi Metro in Rohini East, Vasant Vihar, Patel Chowk, Vishwavidyalaya, Dwarka Sector 9, Janakpuri East, and other locations.

To find other locations that may be developed as food hubs, the government is also in contact with other land-owning organizations, such as Delhi Transport Corporation and Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB).

The chosen food truck owners would be required to pay a “minimum license fee,” according to the officials, who also added that a private business will be chosen to oversee all activities under the program.

The regulation would control a sector that has up to now functioned in an unorganized way, the authorities added, noting that food trucks are prevalent in many cities in Europe, the United States, and Australia. They said that instead of the present tiny stores that are designed like vehicles, legislation will push entrepreneurs to develop legitimate food trucks. They said that Delhi has a number of tiny vendors who are well-known for selling snacks in various parts of the

city and have a loyal following. Such firms will be encouraged by the policy to organize and thrive within a regulated environment.

The strategy would also maintain “high standards of aesthetics, sanitation, and hygiene” at all culinary places, according to Public Works Department (PWD) minister Atishi.

“With the introduction of the policy, Delhi residents will have the lovely chance to savor a wide variety of cuisines even at odd hours, enhancing the city’s vibrant culinary environment. The goal of the policy is to make sure that customers have a safe and comfortable eating experience, with a focus on their happiness, she added.

According to the officials, the operators must obtain no objection certificates (NOCs) from the RTO, Delhi Police, fire department, municipal corporation, and shops and establishments department of the government in addition to registering with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as a mobile vending unit.

The government will meet with different stakeholders to mark areas over the course of the next month, according to the officials who shared the timeframe for the policy’s implementation. They stated that the draft policy would be completed by July 31 and that the state cabinet is anticipated to approve it by August 31. An official who wished to remain unnamed said, “The government hopes to complete all procedures and inaugurate food truck hubs by December 15.”

The chief minister tweeted today that his administration will soon introduce a food truck policy to offer new job and decent food service prospects, according to Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor. It is the responsibility of MCD, not the Delhi government, to bring about such a policy. The MCD administrator adopted a draft food truck policy in 2022, and it is currently in effect. The MCD standing committee may put it into effect whenever it chooses.

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