Hyderabad: Telangana is set to get its first dedicated street food hub with the proposed development of a large food vending zone at Malkam Cheruvu in Raidurgam, one of Hyderabad’s fastest-growing urban corridors. The project is being planned under the PM SVANidhi scheme and aims to provide modern infrastructure for street vendors while creating a new recreational and tourism destination for residents and visitors.
The proposed facility is expected to be developed with financial assistance from the Central Government and is designed to combine food, culture, sustainability, and urban public spaces within a single integrated destination.
50 Food Stalls Planned Along the Lakefront
According to the conceptual plans prepared for the project, the food hub will feature approximately 50 organized food stalls spread across nearly one acre of land along the Malkam Cheruvu lakefront.
The stalls are proposed to be arranged along a pedestrian-friendly corridor, creating a vibrant food street designed to attract families, tourists, office-goers and residents from nearby areas including Raidurgam, Gachibowli, Financial District, Nanakramguda and Hitec City.
Each stall is proposed to have a standardized design with dimensions of approximately 3 metres by 3 metres, ensuring uniformity and a better visitor experience.
₹5 Crore Funding Under PM SVANidhi
The project is expected to receive around ₹5 crore in Central Government funding under the PM SVANidhi initiative, which aims to support street vendors through improved infrastructure, access to finance and formalization of vending activities.
The proposed food hub is expected to serve as a model project that can be replicated in other urban areas across Telangana in the future.
Focus on Sustainability
One of the key highlights of the proposed development is its emphasis on environmentally sustainable infrastructure.
Project plans indicate that the food hub may include:
- Solar-powered lighting and infrastructure
- Biogas generation from food waste
- Eco-friendly construction materials
- Recycled street furniture and seating
- Waste management and segregation systems
- Energy-efficient public amenities
Officials believe these features could help reduce operational costs while promoting environmentally responsible urban development.
Barrier-Free Public Space
The proposed layout has also been designed with accessibility in mind. Plans include barrier-free pedestrian circulation routes and infrastructure that can be used comfortably by senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities.
Wide walkways, ramps and accessible public spaces are expected to form an important part of the development.
Support for Women and Street Vendors
The project aims to create new livelihood opportunities for local street vendors and self-help groups.
According to the proposal, women self-help groups and registered street vendors may be given opportunities to operate food stalls and participate in the management of the facility.
The initiative is expected to help formalize vending activities while providing vendors with improved infrastructure, hygiene standards and greater customer visibility.
Cultural Events to Attract Visitors
Beyond food, the project is envisioned as a community destination that can host cultural activities and public events.
Plans include designated spaces for:
- Weekly cultural programs
- Music performances
- Local arts and crafts exhibitions
- Community gatherings
- Festival celebrations
Officials hope such activities will increase footfall and help transform Malkam Cheruvu into a vibrant urban public space.
Strategic Location Near Hyderabad’s IT Corridor
The proposed food hub benefits from its location in Raidurgam, one of Hyderabad’s most rapidly developing regions. The area lies close to major employment hubs such as Hitec City, Gachibowli, Financial District, and Nanakramguda, which collectively host hundreds of technology companies, Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and multinational corporations.
With thousands of professionals working nearby and increasing residential development in the region, planners believe the location has significant potential to emerge as a major food and leisure destination.
Part of Larger Urban Development Efforts
The Malkam Cheruvu project forms part of broader efforts to improve public spaces and urban infrastructure around Hyderabad’s western corridor. Over the past few years, authorities have undertaken multiple lakefront improvement, road connectivity and beautification projects aimed at enhancing quality of life and promoting sustainable urban growth.
If implemented as planned, the Malkam Cheruvu Street Food Hub could become Telangana’s first organized food street destination, offering a unique combination of local cuisine, cultural activities, vendor empowerment and environmentally sustainable infrastructure.
