Jammu: Lakhanpur, the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir, has been selected among the first towns in the country for the development of a Street Food Hub under the PM SVANidhi initiative, marking a major boost for tourism, local entrepreneurship and visitor amenities in the Union Territory.
Announcing the development, Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh said the approval reflects the Central Government’s continued focus on strengthening infrastructure and livelihood opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir.
He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for according high priority to the Union Territory and said Lakhanpur’s inclusion in the inaugural list of approved towns demonstrates the Centre’s sustained commitment to regional development.
The project assumes added significance during the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, when Lakhanpur witnesses heavy movement of pilgrims and tourists entering Jammu and Kashmir.
The proposed facility is expected to improve services for travellers while creating organised business opportunities for local vendors.
Dr. Singh also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for expediting the proposal and approving Lakhanpur in the very first batch of Street Food Hubs.
Representing the Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency, he said sustained efforts were made to secure early approval so that local street vendors and small entrepreneurs could benefit from the flagship initiative.
The Street Food Hub programme aims to create organised, hygienic and modern vending spaces that showcase India’s rich culinary heritage while providing dignified and sustainable livelihood opportunities to street vendors.
The initiative seeks to transform key tourist destinations into vibrant food streets offering authentic regional cuisine in safe and well-planned surroundings.
Under the scheme, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs plans to establish up to 50 Street Food Hubs across the country, with priority given to locations having strong tourism potential, cultural significance and distinctive local food traditions.
Each approved project will receive ₹4 crore in financial assistance, released in three phases, while cities that have notified their Street Vending Plan will receive an additional ₹25 lakh incentive.
The Lakhanpur project will be developed across two clusters in Lakhanpur Market—one near the Old Bus Stand and another near the Sales Tax Office. Spread over 1,754.25 square metres, the hub will feature modern vending infrastructure while promoting Dogra cuisine and other regional delicacies in a clean, organised and visitor-friendly environment.
Strategically located on the Pathankot–Jammu corridor and the route to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Lakhanpur serves as the primary entry point into Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials expect the new Street Food Hub to transform the town from a transit stop into a vibrant culinary destination, enhancing the visitor experience, generating employment, supporting local entrepreneurship and strengthening the region’s tourism economy.
