The Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has inaugurated the city’s first 'Smart Vending Zone' near the IGP intersection in Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar. The facility, featuring 40 stalls designed with a uniform theme, was inaugurated on Thursday, January 2, in the presence of the Mayor and other city officials.

Food stalls at this modernised vending zone are expected to be allotted in the coming days. This revamped stretch, upgraded with various infrastructural improvements last year, aims to create a more organised and accessible space for vendors and visitors alike.

Before its transformation, the stretch where the smart vending zone now stands was dotted with makeshift stalls and food thelas. While popular among office-goers, policemen, and locals, the area was often unhygienic and poorly organised.

The revamped vending zone now offers permanent metal-structured stalls with weatherproofing, ensuring uninterrupted operations. The alley has been upgraded with tiled flooring, greenery and public benches for visitors to relax and enjoy their meals. Multiple garbage bins have been strategically placed to maintain cleanliness.

In a unique addition, the newly installed streetlights feature metallic tables for convenient dining and USB charging ports for devices. Further, LMC will directly oversee the zone, conduct daily cleanliness drives, manage garbage collection, and ensure vendors adhere to safety regulations.

The smart vending zone near the IGP intersection was inaugurated yesterday, with 'Pandey Tea Stall' being the first to commence operations. Speaking to Knocksense, the stall owner expressed satisfaction, stating, "The new stall is a significant upgrade from my previous thela. We are now required to pay ₹5,000 monthly as rent to the LMC."

Other food vendors, who previously occupied the stretch, are currently operating outside the vending zone. Many of these vendors have been allotted stalls and are expected to move into their designated spots in the coming days.

The Lucknow Municipal Corporation anticipates improved cleanliness and systematic operations in the area. Furthermore, the authoritities have identified additional locations across the city for similar developments.