JAMMU: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said Lakhanpur has been selected for development as a Street Food Hub under the Centre’s PM SVANidhi scheme.
According to the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Singh said the initiative aims to promote local culinary heritage while providing dignified livelihood opportunities to street vendors.
He said Lakhanpur is among the first 50 towns selected under the Government of India’s Street Food Hub initiative, which envisages financial assistance and incentives for the development of organised vending spaces.
The Union Minister said 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 improve facilities for vendors and visitors.
Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Singh said the inclusion of Lakhanpur in the first phase of the programme reflected the Centre’s focus on the development of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the initiative would strengthen Lakhanpur’s position as a major stopover for tourists, pilgrims and other travellers entering Jammu and Kashmir through the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway.
Lakhanpur, located on the Punjab-Jammu border, is known as the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir and is popular for its roadside eateries serving traditional fried dal pakodas, locally known as “Palle”.