GVMC plans 21 Smart Vending Zones across the city

GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg on Wednesday said the civic body will set up 21 Smart Vending Zones across the city. The initiative aims to provide modern facilities for street vendors, improve their livelihoods, and create citizen-friendly spaces for shopping and recreation.

In the first phase, GVMC will establish three zones in Zones 2, 4, and 6. The project will follow a public-private partnership model with contributions from the beneficiaries. The Commissioner said the zones are part of a larger plan to modernize vending facilities, ensure hygiene, and strengthen the economic position of street vendors in the city.

Garg personally inspected proposed sites near the Yendada Triple R Centre in Zone 2 and along the eastern, western, and southern sides of Central Park in Zone 4. During the inspection, he interacted with officials and discussed the facilities to be included in the vending zones.

The Smart Vending Zones will feature portable containers equipped with fans, lights, and other basic amenities. They will have full electrification, aesthetic lighting, solar power, and CCTV surveillance. Each zone will also include a Central Management System to manage sanitation, daily cleaning, security, Wi-Fi, and play areas. Additional facilities such as toilets, drinking water, wash bays, seating areas, and proper ventilation are planned to ensure a comfortable environment for both vendors and visitors.

Architect Vamsi Krishna presented the proposed designs to the Commissioner. After reviewing them, Garg asked Chief Engineer Satyanarayana Raju to prepare a detailed report and initiate implementation, ensuring that all facilities meet modern standards and that the zones are ready for public use soon.