BMC to Issue Tenders to Operate Food Trucks at 50 Spots

Ahead of the civic election, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has submitted to the law committee for approval a comprehensive food truck policy that includes distribution and placement for setting up food trucks in 50 locations throughout the city. 

The slots for the food truck, planned along the lines of 'Food on Wheels,' will be tendered, according to the policy. Food trucks will only be permitted to run from one location and will not be permitted to travel across the city. Once the policy is approved, the BMC will issue tenders and choose bidders to operate the food trucks. Nearly 25 or 50% of the total locations will be given to women self-help groups. 

The location will be assigned for a period of 36 months. According to the plan, the food truck spot will be at a high footfall area near parks/gardens, tourist sites, schools, colleges and universities in the city. 

The truck's site should be at least 200 feet from the existing restaurants, and there should be at least 15 feet distance between two trucks. Citizens can submit recommendations and objections to the locations for 15 days after they are finalized. Civic officials should guarantee that residents living near the food truck locations don’t have objections to the unit. 

The policy emphasized the need of selling balanced and nutritious meals through 'food on wheels.' Inside the truck, food truck owners can utilize LPG, microwave, and electric cooking units. No-objection certifications from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the BMC's health department and shop and establishment department, as well as approval from the state transport corporation, would be essential for drivers. 

Last year, Municipal Commissioner I S Chahal directed civic officials to formulate a complete policy after Sena corporators were miffed over the civic body’s circular to stop the distribution of food trucks in their respective wards as freebies.