Mysuru among 100 cities across the country selected under Centre’s ‘Food Streets’ project

By Bapu Lingaraj Urs

Mysuru has been chosen as one of 100 cities nationwide to participate in the ‘Food Streets’ project initiated by the Central Government. 

The selected area for development under this project is Lalitha Mahal Palace Road, which is adorned with various fast-food joints. The project aims to emulate the dedicated food lanes seen in Western countries, and the process of preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is already in progress.

Implemented as a pilot project at an estimated cost of Rs. 1 crore for each Food Street, this initiative is a collaborative effort between the Union Ministry of Health, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

It operates on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, with the primary goal of promoting hygienic and safe food practices. If the project proves successful in these initial 100 cities, it may be extended to additional cities in subsequent stages.

Despite being recognised as a rapidly growing city after Bengaluru, Mysuru has also earned nicknames like ‘Heritage City,’ ‘Cultural City’ and ‘Tourist Hub.’ This draws millions of tourists from all corners of the country and beyond. However, the unhygienic conditions prevailing at roadside eateries have been a source of embarrassment. Hence, the Central Government has chosen Mysuru for this transformative project.

Under this initiative, it will be mandatory for food to be prepared in a hygienic environment. The facilities to be provided will include tiled flooring, proper dustbins, mandatory food and rate charts, adequate lighting, waste disposal facilities for solid and liquid waste, as well as toilet and drinking water facilities. Suitable seating arrangements will also have to be made for customers to enjoy their meals comfortably. Currently, fast-food joints lack basic safety measures, leading to issues such as dust settling on food and a lack of protection from rain during the monsoon. Haphazard parking of vehicles further exacerbates these problems.

Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner Ashaad-Ur-Rahman Shariff stated, “The modernised Food Street project is set to be implemented on Lalitha Mahal Palace Road. The DPR is currently under preparation, with instructions to submit it by the end of this month. Tenders will be invited by the end of October. The Central Government is providing a grant of Rs. 1 crore for this PPP project.”

Detailed information about fast-food vendors on Lalitha Mahal Palace Road is being collected, and they will be given priority for accommodation once the project is completed. Any remaining space will be allocated to vendors currently operating elsewhere. The focus is on implementing the project in an organised and systematic manner.

Mayor Shivakumar added, “As the National Highway runs alongside Lalitha Mahal Palace Road, it will not be possible to develop a Food Street in this area during the Highway widening. Instead, consideration is being given to implementing the project on Valmiki Road in Vinayakanagar (Paduvarahalli), which offers ample space. I have already conducted a site inspection along with Chamaraja MLA K. Harishgowda.”