The long-pending proposal to establish a dedicated Food Street in Tiruchi has received fresh momentum following the Tamil Nadu government’s announcement to develop ‘Healthy and Hygienic Food Street’ on a pilot basis in the city.The initiative aims at improving the quality and hygiene standards of food sold at roadside eateries while ensuring affordable food for the public. Under the project, food carts will have a uniform design; vendors will be required to wear aprons, caps, and gloves; and a self-sustaining waste management system will be implemented, using revenue from the stalls to fund waste collection and maintenance.Efforts to establish a Food Street in Tiruchi date back several years. Under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)’s programme to upgrade street food hubs, the Central Bus Stand area was identified as a suitable location by integrating existing roadside eateries and pushcart vendors to attract passengers.Surveys of roadside food vendors were conducted, and preliminary activities, including vendor training and funding initiatives, were undertaken. However, the proposal was eventually shelved due to challenges in utilising public space for the project.In 2022, the Tiruchi Corporation proposed setting up a dedicated food street near the Uzhavar Santhai in Anna Nagar at an estimated cost of ₹2 crore. The project envisaged around 25 food stalls, seating facilities, adequate parking space and a compound wall. Although a design was finalised and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) was submitted, delays in fund allocation prevented the project from moving forward.The Corporation announced in its 2025–26 budget that five food streets would be established across the city’s five zones at a total cost of ₹5 crore. However, the proposal has yet to materialise.With the State government’s renewed push on developing ‘Healthy and Hygienic Food Street’, officials are again exploring feasible locations in Tiruchi, raising hopes the city may finally see the long-awaited project become a reality.“Suitable roads and vacant spaces are being evaluated to develop the food street. We are identifying locations that are easily accessible to the public and do not affect traffic flow or public convenience,” said a food safety official. Published - June 26, 2026 06:25 pm IST