Delhi Launches Affordable 'Atal Canteens' to Honor Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has inaugurated the 'Atal Canteens' to honor former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. These canteens aim to provide nutritious meals at an incredibly low price of five rupees, targeting the city's workers and underprivileged populations. With an ambitious plan to establish 100 canteens, the initiative is set to serve over 100,000 meals daily. The government has allocated substantial funds for this project, ensuring that no one in Delhi goes hungry. The canteens will operate twice daily, offering affordable and healthy food options to those in need.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 26, 2025, 08:05 IST

Inauguration of Atal Canteens in Delhi

On Thursday, Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the 'Atal Canteen' in the capital to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. These canteens, spread across Delhi, aim to provide subsidized meals to the underprivileged.

During the inauguration, Gupta mentioned that the government is fulfilling its electoral promise by launching 45 Atal Canteens, with plans to complete the remaining 55 soon.

Affordable Meals for the Needy

At the Atal Canteens in Delhi, nutritious meals will be offered for just five rupees. This initiative is designed to provide affordable and healthy food to workers, the poor, and other needy individuals in the national capital. The government has allocated ₹104.24 crores for the operation and management of this ambitious scheme.

An official statement indicated that each Atal Canteen will serve approximately 1,000 meals daily, benefiting over 100,000 people across Delhi each day.

Collaboration with Central Minister

Central Minister for Power and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, joined Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for the inauguration of the Atal Canteen located near 'Apna Bazaar' in Lajpat Nagar. Gupta dined at the canteen with ministers and emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of food quality and cleanliness.

A Historic Initiative Inspired by Atal Bihari Vajpayee

On this occasion, Manohar Lal remarked that the Atal Canteen service launched on the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee represents a historic initiative inspired by the ideals of good governance and humanitarian sensitivity. He stated that in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on service, governance, and welfare of the poor, this initiative will ensure that no one in Delhi goes hungry.

Gupta described this scheme as a significant step towards ensuring dignity and self-reliance for the hardworking and impoverished citizens. She noted that a total of 100 Atal Canteens are being established across Delhi.

Operational Details of Atal Canteens

Of the 100 planned Atal Canteens, 45 were virtually inaugurated on Thursday, while the remaining 55 are expected to commence operations within the next 15 to 20 days. Each beneficiary will receive freshly prepared meals at a nominal cost of five rupees per plate, with the Delhi government subsidizing ₹25 per meal.

Under this scheme, meals will be served twice daily at each canteen. Lunch will be available from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and dinner will be served from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM.