Operations are anticipated to start in the next two weeks at Delhi's first dedicated nighttime street food market, which will be located behind Salimgarh Fort. In order to stimulate the city's nighttime food scene while maintaining regulated infrastructure and tourist attractiveness, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has extended an invitation to vendors to take part in this experimental project.
The market will be situated in central Delhi on a pedestrian promenade close to Salimgarh Fort, next to the ancient monument's ramparts. Only 50 vendors will be chosen to operate at any given moment out of the approximately 300 applications that the MCD has received from food truck, van, and kiosk vendors interested in the program. The hours of operation have been set at 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. If there are more applications than available slots, the vendors will likely be rotated in the selection.
Since the area lies next to protected heritage sites—Salimgarh Fort and the Red Fort—no permanent structures will be permitted. Temporary installations, kiosks, food trucks and mobile setups are to be used instead.
To support the market’s operations, the MCD plans to provide essential services such as street lighting, floodlights, drinking water and waste management. Parking space has also been earmarked to manage anticipated footfall. Since the relevant stretch of road falls under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department (PWD), coordination is underway to ready the street for food carts and pedestrian movement.
Earlier in May 2023, encroachments and makeshift residences in the area were cleared to facilitate this project. The site has also been beautified with street paintings and marked slots for food carts, in preparation for operations.
Supporting Delhi's nighttime economy and showcasing the city's renowned street-food culture in a well-organised and secure setting are two of the initiative's main goals. If this pilot approach is successful, officials say, it might be reproduced in other areas of the city. The project is viewed as a component of initiatives to help local merchants, revitalise nightlife, and increase tourism in the vicinity of heritage areas.
Strict rules forbid permanent buildings on the property because it is close to cultural monuments. Vendor amenities and infrastructure may be limited by this restriction. It will be crucial to maintain traffic flow, crowd control, safety, and cleanliness at night. Since there will only be 50 vendors operating at once, fair rotation and vendor selection will necessitate open and honest processes. Lastly, the legitimacy and longevity of the project will depend on vendors adhering to licensing, cleanliness, and heritage preservation standards.
1. Where will Delhi’s first night-time street food market be located?
The market will be set up behind Salimgarh Fort, near the Red Fort in central Delhi.
2. How many vendors will operate in the market?
Around 50 vendors will be selected to operate at a time, out of nearly 300 applicants.
3. What are the operating hours of the night food market?
The market will operate daily from 6 pm to 10 pm.
4. What facilities will be provided for the market?
The MCD will provide street lighting, floodlights, drinking water, waste management, and parking space to support the market’s operations.
5. Will permanent food stalls be allowed at the market?
No, since the site is near heritage monuments, only temporary structures like food trucks, vans, and kiosks will be permitted.
6. Why is Delhi introducing this street food market?
The initiative is part of efforts to boost Delhi’s night economy, promote street food culture in an organised manner, and enhance tourism near heritage landmarks.
7. Could similar markets open in other areas of Delhi?
Yes, if the pilot project near Salimgarh Fort proves successful, officials plan to replicate it in other parts of the city.
(With inputs from various sources.)
