The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has announced plans to set up a night food market near the historic Salimgarh Fort.
The market, scheduled to operate from 6 pm to 10 pm, aims to offer a curated experience of Old Delhi’s culinary heritage, drawing food enthusiasts and tourists alike. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the MCD to promote sustainable urban living while supporting local vendors. By providing a regulated environment for street food vendors, the MCD hopes to enhance the city’s gastronomic appeal, reduce unregulated vending in heritage zones, and streamline urban traffic flow. The food market will feature around 50 vendors initially, selected based on their possession of valid certification, ensuring food safety and hygiene standards. The vendors will offer an array of street food delicacies, including iconic dishes from Chandni Chowk and Ward No. 74, such as chaat, kebabs, parathas, and traditional sweets, each narrating a story of Delhi’s rich culinary tapestry.
To ensure the smooth functioning of the market, the MCD has engaged with various stakeholders, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), to coordinate traffic management and maintain safety in the vicinity. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of integrated urban planning in preserving both cultural heritage and public safety. The financial model for the market includes rent and sanitation fees for vendors, contributing to the MCD’s revenue while maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of the food stalls. The design and specifications of the food carts are being finalised with input from vendors and the public, ensuring that the market reflects both functional efficiency and aesthetic harmony with the heritage backdrop of Salimgarh Fort. Beyond its immediate economic and cultural benefits, the night food market aligns with the MCD’s broader vision of sustainable urban development. By transforming a historically significant area into a lively yet controlled food hub, the initiative contributes to eco-friendly urban living. It promotes pedestrian-friendly spaces, reduces vehicular congestion, and supports zero net carbon goals through sustainable practices.
Experts in urban development and heritage conservation have lauded the initiative for its potential to balance heritage preservation with modern urban needs. They highlight that such markets not only boost local economies but also foster community engagement and cultural exchange, enriching the urban fabric. However, the initiative also faces challenges. Ensuring that the market operates without disrupting the historical integrity of Salimgarh Fort requires meticulous planning. Moreover, maintaining strict hygiene standards and fair vendor practices will be key to the market’s long-term success. As the night food market takes shape, it is expected to become a new landmark in Delhi’s culinary landscape, offering both locals and tourists a taste of the city’s rich heritage. It stands as a testament to how thoughtful urban planning can create vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable spaces that celebrate culture, promote local economies, and enhance the quality of urban life.
This venture not only promises to be a gastronomic delight but also a model for other cities aiming to integrate heritage conservation with sustainable urban development. As Delhi embraces this new chapter, the night food market near Salimgarh Fort could well become a beacon of how tradition and modernity coexist in the heart of the capital.
MCD Plans Night Food Market Near Salimgarh Fort to Boost Tourism
