GVMC to Develop Smart Street Vending Zones
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation is speeding up plans to create Smart Street Vending Zones across the city to support street vendors and improve their livelihoods.
GVMC Additional Commissioner P. M. Satyaveni said the new zones will provide vendors with organised spaces and basic amenities. She was speaking at meetings with street vending beneficiaries held at the GVMC Zone IV office. Visakhapatnam South MLA Ch. Vamsikrishna Srinivas attended the meeting.
Similar interactions were conducted at all GVMC zonal offices in coordination with the respective Zonal Commissioners.
Ms. Satyaveni said encroachments on roads, footpaths, and junctions were cleared under Operation LUNGS 2.0 to improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and city appearance. She said the exercise also aims to rehabilitate vendors through planned vending zones.
Referring to the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, she said the law requires surveys, identity cards, vending plans, and the creation of vending zones by Urban Local Bodies.
Under the State government’s agenda, MEPMA has launched the Smart Street Vending Market scheme. The scheme will create dedicated markets for street vendors and Self-Help Group families, enabling them to sell their products in an organised and hygienic environment.
GVMC officials said the vending markets will be set up at three locations. These include Madhurawada RRR Centre with 70 units, Gajuwaka under the Duvvada flyover at Kurmannapalem with 70 units, and Suryabagh Central Park with 110 units.
The project cost is estimated at ₹1,425 crore. GVMC will contribute ₹550 crore, MEPMA ₹450 crore, and the Andhra Pradesh government ₹425 crore. Each beneficiary will contribute ₹2.5 lakh through direct payment or bank loans.
The markets will feature modular prefabricated kiosks, solar lighting, digital payment facilities, waste management systems, sanitation facilities, seating areas, CCTV surveillance, skill development support, and FSSAI certification.