Lakhanpur Chosen for Street Food Hub Devp Under Central Scheme: Dr Jitendra

JAMMU: The Government of India has approved the establishment of a Street Food Hub at Lakhanpur in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district under the PM SVANidhi scheme, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced on Saturday. Lakhanpur is among the first 50 towns selected across the country for the initiative. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, said the approval reflects the Centre's continued focus on strengthening infrastructure, tourism and livelihoods in Jammu and Kashmir. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritising the development of the Union Territory. The Minister said the project assumes added significance during the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, as Lakhanpur serves as the main gateway for pilgrims, tourists and other travellers entering Jammu and Kashmir. The proposed facility is expected to improve visitor amenities while providing new economic opportunities for local vendors. Expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Dr. Singh said sustained efforts were made to secure early approval for the project so that local street vendors and small entrepreneurs could benefit from the initiative. He described the decision as another step towards boosting development in Jammu and Kashmir. The Street Food Hub initiative aims to create organised, hygienic and modern vending spaces that showcase India's culinary diversity while providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for street vendors. Under the PM SVANidhi scheme, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs plans to establish up to 50 such hubs across the country, giving preference to locations with high tourism potential, cultural significance and distinctive local cuisine. Each approved project will receive financial assistance of ₹4 crore, to be released in three phases—30 per cent initially, 50 per cent during implementation and the remaining 20 per cent upon completion. Urban Local Bodies that have notified their Street Vending Plan will also receive an additional incentive of ₹25 lakh. The initiative will be supported through technical assistance from the Ministry's Centres of Excellence for Urban Planning and AMRUT-funded planning centres. It also involves collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure effective implementation. The Ministry received 126 proposals from 32 States and Union Territories, covering 106 Urban Local Bodies and seven Census Towns, out of which Lakhanpur has been selected in the first phase. The proposed Street Food Hub will be developed across two locations in Lakhanpur Market—near the Old Bus Stand and the Sales Tax Office. Spread over 1,754.25 square metres, the facility will feature modern vending infrastructure while promoting Dogra cuisine and other regional delicacies in a clean and visitor-friendly environment. Strategically located on the Jammu-Pathankot highway and en route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, Lakhanpur witnesses heavy movement of pilgrims and tourists throughout the year. The project is expected to transform the town into a vibrant culinary destination, boost tourism, generate employment and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local street vendors and entrepreneurs.