The people of Delhi can now indulge in their favorite street foods like Gol gappa, chaat-papdi, and chowmein until 2 am as the city government has accelerated the implementation of its ‘Food Truck Policy.’ This ambitious plan has already identified 40 locations for food trucks to operate, bringing convenience and delicious food to the masses.
According to officials, the establishment of food truck hubs will take place gradually in multiple phases.
“In the first phase, food truck hubs will be opened at 10-15 locations. The main aim behind this project is to boost the city’s night economy and create employment,” said a senior Delhi government official.
The policy was initially introduced in the “Rozgar budget” of 2022 and was scheduled to be announced in October of that year. The plan aimed to select five plots of land and launch 25 food trucks. However, the program was stalled for two reasons: first, the appointment of the Delhi tourism department as the executing agency required cabinet approval, and second, a disagreement between the AAP government and the L-G caused further delays, leaving the scheme in a state of uncertainty.
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According to officials, the plan has been finalized by the tourism department and will be subject to review by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
As per officials, the government will not grant licenses to individuals for setting up a single or a couple of food trucks.
“Our aim is to give different food options to residents and tourists. So, instead of issuing licences to individual food truck owners, they will be given to a firm or a concessionaire which will manage the land where food trucks can be set up. The concessionaire or the company will be selected through a tender which will be floated soon by the tourism department,” said an official.
The government has identified sites under its jurisdiction to prevent complications in obtaining NOC and land usage permissions.
“Getting an NOC is a big problem, which often leads to delays. To avoid this, the 40 spots identified come under DJB, PWD and other departments,” said an official.
Officials have stated that the food trucks are anticipated to be located in close proximity to metro stations, markets, residential areas, and high-traffic areas like Dilli Haat.