Delhiites will soon be able to find their favourite street food till as late as 2 am as the Arvind Kejriwal Government has granted in principle approval to its ambitious ‘Food Truck Policy’. This will be on the lines of the food truck concept in western cities especially New York, Washington DC, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Brussels, London, Australia, Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. As a pilot project, Food Trucks will start functioning at 16 locations at first, then the model will be replicated across the Capital.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter to announce the introduction of the ‘Food Truck Policy’ in Delhi. As per the tweet, the policy was approved during a meeting on Tuesday.
“This plan will allow the citizens of Delhi to enjoy delicious meals even late at night. Additionally, it will create opportunities for employment on a large scale and strengthen the economy,” the tweet further read. Recognising the immense potential of the food truck industry, Kejriwal emphasised the positive impact it would have on employment generation and the economy as a whole.
The primary objective of the Delhi Food Truck Plan is to establish Delhi as the ‘Food Truck Capital.’ The Delhi Government intends to support small businesses through this policy, while simultaneously generating employment opportunities and boosting the nighttime economy of the city. Delhiites will soon have the convenience of relishing delectable cuisines at any time, fostering the growth of the food truck culture in the capital.
PWD Minister Atishi also revealed that the Kejriwal government is all set to implement the Food Truck Policy, which will not only generate employment opportunities but also contribute to the city’s economy during nighttime. “The plan includes the establishment of food courts in different areas of Delhi, where multiple food trucks can operate collectively. Additionally, dedicated food hubs will be developed to cater to the needs of Delhi’s residents, fostering economic growth and employment prospects during nighttime,” Atishi said.
Initially, the PWD department of the Delhi government has identified 16 locations, including renowned marketplaces and neighbourhoods across different districts of Delhi, for the establishment of these food truck hubs. Upon successful implementation, the model will be replicated across Delhi, extending the reach of this unique culinary experience across neighbourhoods. Furthermore, the introduction of food hubs across Delhi stands as a testament to the government’s dedication to bolstering India’s food culture. These hubs will serve as focal points for culinary enthusiasts and provide a platform for local vendors and aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their delectable creations.
The Food Truck Policy prioritises the maintenance and upkeep of these food hubs,
with the responsibility for their operation and maintenance entrusted to a designated agency. This agency will ensure the cleanliness and proper organisation of the food hubs and
also ensure that all food trucks operate exclusively within the government-designated food hubs.
Currently there are no food trucks in Delhi. There are only shops that are given the shape of trucks but these will be proper food trucks. We will have concessionaires who will bring in different vendors along with these trucks and they will be responsible for clearances and other things,” the official said.