Lakhanpur, the gateway to Jammu & Kashmir, is set to witness a significant transformation with the Government of India approving the establishment of a modern Street Food Hub under the PM SVANidhi initiative. The announcement was made by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh.
The project is expected to enhance tourism infrastructure, improve facilities for pilgrims and travellers, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local street vendors and small entrepreneurs.
Centre Prioritises Development of Jammu & Kashmir
Welcoming the approval, Dr. Jitendra Singh thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for placing sustained emphasis on the development of Jammu & Kashmir. He noted that Lakhanpur’s selection among the first batch of approved Street Food Hubs reflects the Centre’s commitment to improving public infrastructure and strengthening the region’s tourism ecosystem.
The Minister highlighted that the decision comes at a crucial time as the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is witnessing a large influx of devotees. The proposed food hub is expected to provide improved services to pilgrims, tourists and other travellers entering the Union Territory through Lakhanpur.
Dr. Singh also acknowledged the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for expediting the proposal and including Lakhanpur in the inaugural list of approved projects. Representing the Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency, he said continuous efforts were made to secure early approval so that local vendors and small businesses could benefit from the initiative.
Modern Food Streets to Promote Local Cuisine
The Street Food Hub programme has been designed to create organised, hygienic and visitor-friendly vending spaces that showcase India’s diverse culinary traditions. The initiative aims to transform popular tourist destinations into attractive food streets where visitors can enjoy authentic regional cuisine in clean and well-managed surroundings.
Besides improving public amenities, the programme seeks to provide dignified and sustainable livelihoods for street vendors while preserving local food heritage.
Lakhanpur’s strategic location on the route connecting Pathankot to Jammu & Kashmir and the pilgrimage destination of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi makes it an ideal location for such a project.
₹4 Crore Assistance for Each Approved Hub
Under the PM SVANidhi initiative, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs plans to establish up to 50 Street Food Hubs across India. Priority is being given to towns and cities with strong tourism potential, cultural significance, distinctive food traditions and alignment with national tourism initiatives such as Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD, along with UNESCO-recognised heritage and creative city programmes.
Each approved Street Food Hub will receive financial assistance of ₹4 crore. The funding will be released in three phases—30 per cent in the first instalment, 50 per cent in the second and the remaining 20 per cent after project completion.
Urban Local Bodies that have already notified their Street Vending Plans will also receive an additional incentive of ₹25 lakh to strengthen implementation.
The initiative further provides technical assistance through the Ministry’s Centres of Excellence for Urban Planning and AMRUT-supported planning centres, enabling states and local authorities to design and execute projects efficiently. It also encourages collaboration between the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Lakhanpur Hub to Feature Two Food Clusters
The proposed Street Food Hub will be developed over an area of approximately 1,754 square metres across two locations in Lakhanpur Market. One cluster will be established near the Old Bus Stand, while the second will be located close to the Sales Tax Office.
The project will provide modern vending infrastructure, better sanitation facilities and organised spaces for vendors. A major focus will be on promoting traditional Dogra cuisine alongside other regional delicacies, offering visitors an authentic culinary experience.
Officials expect the development to convert Lakhanpur from merely a transit point into a vibrant food destination. By attracting travellers to stop and explore local cuisine, the initiative is expected to generate new employment opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen the local economy.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs received 126 proposals from 32 States and Union Territories for the Street Food Hub programme, covering 106 Urban Local Bodies and seven Census Towns. Lakhanpur’s inclusion in the first batch marks an important milestone in the government’s efforts to integrate tourism development with urban infrastructure and inclusive economic growth.
As work progresses, the project is expected to improve the travel experience for millions of pilgrims and tourists while providing a long-term boost to local businesses and preserving the rich culinary heritage of the Dogra region.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
