Patna: Patna is preparing for a major change in its street food culture, with officials proposing a dedicated food hub to give Bihar’s traditional dishes more visibility and improve facilities for vendors. The plan has been submitted by the Patna Municipal Corporation to the Urban Development and Housing Department under the Pradhan Mantri SVANidhi Scheme. If approved, the project is expected to create organised food zones that combine better hygiene, urban management and the promotion of local cuisine.
The municipal corporation has identified three places for the first phase of the project: JP Ganga Path near Digha Golambar, Khatal Gali in Kotwali and the common service centre premises in Mithapur. Officials say these hubs will not have permanent structures but temporary modern stalls that can be arranged neatly. The spaces will include food preparation areas, seating, toilets, clean water, lighting, landscaping, parking and sanitation. The aim is to move vendors away from busy roadsides and create cleaner spaces where people can enjoy food safely.
A key part of the proposal is to highlight Bihar’s own food traditions. While dishes such as Litti Chokha, Champaran Mutton, Makhana, Khaja and Thekua are already well known, many local recipes remain largely unexplored outside the state. Under the scheme, at least 50% of the stalls will be reserved for authentic Bihari dishes, sweets and snacks. Officials say the goal is to make these foods more visible and create a stronger identity for Bihar’s culinary culture.
The project also includes training for selected food vendors by experts from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The sessions will focus on food safety, hygiene, quality and customer service. Officials believe the training will improve standards and increase public confidence in street food. If the proposal receives approval from the central government, Patna could receive up to Rs 4 crore in funding, making it one of the state’s biggest efforts to turn local street food into a recognised attraction.
