Kochi’s highly anticipated food street project is gaining traction, with the food safety department granting administrative sanction. Launched in 2023 under a central government scheme, this initiative aims to establish 100 safe and hygienic food streets across the nation. The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) is spearheading the project in Kochi, with plans to create a clean and hygienic food street at Kasthurba Nagar, backed by financial support from the Centre.
Work on the project commenced earlier this year, but progress was initially hampered by delays in relocating a transformer. Currently, electric cabling work is underway, and GCDA officials are optimistic about completing the project within three months. Next week, food safety officials will assess the project’s progress to ensure it meets the stringent standards required for safe and hygienic operation. According to the detailed project report, the food street will cover a 15,000-square-foot area, incorporating both the food street itself and essential parking facilities. The 10,000-square-foot food street will feature 20 stalls, each equipped with the necessary facilities to maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Additionally, the food street will offer open dining areas, ample wash facilities, well-designed pathways, toilets, and parking lots spread across 5,000 square feet.
“A few kiosks have already been set up. The project aims to develop the area with dine-in facilities and parking spaces that will remain open from evening till early morning,” stated a GCDA official. This setup is designed to cater to both locals and tourists, providing a vibrant and safe dining experience.
The Rs 1.35-crore project will also include a comprehensive drainage and solid waste management system to ensure the area remains clean and environmentally sustainable. The Kochi Corporation will receive the project funds, which will then be transferred to the GCDA for execution.
This food street initiative is expected to transform Kasthurba Nagar into a culinary hotspot, enhancing the city’s gastronomic appeal while ensuring the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. By providing a dedicated space for food vendors and ensuring proper infrastructure, the project aims to reduce health risks associated with street food and promote a culture of cleanliness and quality in the city’s food industry. The successful implementation of this project will not only benefit local vendors and residents but also attract visitors, boosting the local economy and setting a benchmark for similar initiatives across the country.
