The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved the introduction of food trucks in the city to encourage tourism, empower local communities, and tantalise taste buds with authentic local cuisine. The programme will be launched in A ward, which comprises well-known neighbourhoods like Churchgate, Colaba, and Navy Nagar. The BMC intends to promote job possibilities for fishermen, notably women’s self-help organisations, by allowing them to manage these mobile food outlets.
The first food truck facing the sea will be stationed in Badhwar Park in Cuffe Parade. This truck is expected to become a culinary monument run by the Koli ladies, known for their marine cuisine proficiency. According to civic authorities, the second truck, featuring local Marathi food, would be stationed in Colaba, but the specific location has yet to be determined.
The state government has provided Rs. 34.51 lakh from the District Development Fund to enable the purchase of these food trucks. Both vehicles are expected to cost roughly Rs. 28.13 lakh. The BMC is dedicated to guaranteeing cleanliness and safety in the operation of these vehicles and will offer food truck owners with appropriate training. To ensure food quality and safety, all required procedures will be done.
According to organisers, the major goal of this effort is not to make cash from food trucks, but to boost tourism and provide job possibilities. Introducing local cuisines at tourist attractions is anticipated to draw visitors and boost the local economy. Furthermore, to boost city tourism, the BMC intends to run tourist boats from Badhwar Park, generating revenue for local inhabitants.
The A-ward is often recognised as the “VIP” ward, including notable structures such as Mantralaya, Vidhan Bhavan, the Gateway of India, and the Asiatic Library. It’s historical significance and architectural beauty draw tourists from all around the country and overseas. The BMC hopes to improve the overall tourist experience and promote a deeper awareness for Mumbai’s cultural diversity by highlighting the rich culinary legacy of the Koli community through food trucks.
The food trucks will be a trial initiative in Machhimar Nagar, allowing locals to handle these mobile eateries on Prakash Pethe Marg and Bhai Bhandarkar Chowk in Cuffe Parade. The BMC hopes to provide travellers with an immersive culinary experience by serving a range of Koli seafood delicacies, such as javala, crab, surmai, and prawns, against the picturesque background of the sea.
Introducing food trucks operated by fisherwomen is a testament to the city’s dedication to promoting local cuisine, empowering women, and fostering a dynamic and inclusive tourist economy, as the BMC continues to prioritise projects that highlight Mumbai’s unique cultural prosperity. The blend of flavours, culture, and stunning views promises to present locals and tourists with an unforgettable culinary journey through Mumbai’s heart.