Bhubaneswar, May 13: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation) is set to launch a dedicated ‘Gupchup Bazaar’ in the city, aimed at bringing structure, hygiene, and better facilities to street food vending while enhancing the experience for residents and visitors.
The proposed vending zone will come up on a roadside stretch near the Regional Institute of Education (RIE) in Bhubaneswar. The site has already been developed with basic infrastructure improvements such as paving work and decorative lighting, preparing it for organised street food operations.
In the first phase, the bazaar is expected to accommodate around 30–40 gupchup vendors. The civic body plans to provide customised vending carts to ensure uniformity, better hygiene standards, and smoother management of the space. More than 80 such carts have reportedly been prepared for distribution under the project.
As part of the restructuring, existing vendors from busy locations such as Sahid Nagar and areas near Nicco Park are likely to be relocated to the new designated zone once it becomes operational. Authorities are currently finalising operational guidelines, including possible user fees for vendors using the facility.
Officials believe the initiative will help reduce roadside congestion, improve food safety standards, and create a more organised environment for one of Odisha’s most popular street snacks. At the same time, the ‘Gupchup Bazaar’ is expected to become a local food attraction, drawing visitors looking for a variety of flavours in a clean and structured setting.