Jammu, Jul 11 (KNO): Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, on Saturday announced that the Centre has selected Lakhanpur, the gateway town to Jammu and Kashmir on the Punjab border, for development as a Street Food Hub under a new national initiative.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) Dr Singh, who is also the Member Parliament from the Jammu-Udhampur-Kathua-Doda constituency, while sharing the development said, “The initiative is aimed at promoting local culinary heritage and providing dignified livelihood opportunities to street vendors.”
He said Lakhanpur is among the first 50 towns across the country chosen under the Government of India's Street Food Hub initiative being implemented as part of the PM SVANidhi scheme.
Calling it "good news for Kathua," the Union Minister said the project would transform Lakhanpur into a world-class vending destination while preserving and showcasing its rich food culture. "Street Food Hubs are sought to be developed as world-class vending spaces that will promote local culinary heritage and at the same time ensure dignified livelihood for street vendors," Dr. Singh said.
He added that the scheme envisages financial assistance along with additional financial incentives for the development of the proposed hub.
According to Dr. Singh, the proposed Street Food Hub at Lakhanpur Market will comprise two clusters—one near the Old Bus Stand and another near the Sales Tax Office—to facilitate organized vending and improve amenities for visitors and vendors alike.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr. Singh said the inclusion of Lakhanpur in the very first phase of the national programme reflects the Centre's priority towards the development of Jammu and Kashmir.
"Thanks to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for giving high priority to J&K, which has enabled the inclusion of Lakhanpur in the very first phase of this national-level plan," he said.
Dr. Singh noted that Lakhanpur, being the main entry point into Jammu and Kashmir from Punjab, witnesses heavy movement of tourists, pilgrims and transit travellers throughout the year. He said the initiative would further enhance the town's popularity as a preferred highway stopover.
Lakhanpur, located on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway, is widely known as the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir. The town is particularly famous for its roadside eateries serving the traditional fried dal pakodas, popularly known as "Palle", which have long been a favourite among travellers entering and leaving the Union Territory—(KNO)