Smart street vending zones to boost livelihoods in Visakhapatnam

GVMC Additional Commissioner P. M. Satyaveni has said that the corporation is stepping up efforts to develop modern Smart Street Vending Zones with all basic amenities to improve the livelihoods and welfare of street vendors in Visakhapatnam. She was addressing meetings held with street vending beneficiaries at the GVMC Zone IV office on Wednesday along with Visakhapatnam South MLA Ch. Vamsikrishna Srinivas. Similar meetings were organised across all zonal offices in coordination with the respective Zonal Commissioners. Ms. Satyaveni said that encroachments on roads, footpaths and junctions were removed in recent months under Operation LUNGS 2.0 to ensure smooth traffic flow, pedestrian safety and city beautification. She clarified that the initiative also focuses on vendor welfare through the creation of organised Smart Street Vending Zones. She explained that the Street Vendors Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending Act, 2014, mandates surveys, issue of identity cards, preparation of vending plans and establishment of vending zones with the support of Urban Local Bodies. As part of the State government agenda, MEPMA has introduced the Smart Street Vending Market scheme to create dedicated market spaces for street vendors and Self-Help Group families. She said the initiative would help vendors market their products in an organised manner. GVMC officials said Smart Street Vending Markets will be set up at Madhurawada RRR Centre with 70 business units, Gajuwaka under the Duvvada flyover at Kurmannapalem with 70 units, and Suryabagh Central Park with 110 units. The total estimated project cost is ₹1,425 crore, with GVMC contributing ₹550 crore, MEPMA ₹450 crore and the Andhra Pradesh government ₹425 crore. Each beneficiary will contribute ₹2.5 lakh through direct payment or bank loans. The project includes modular prefabricated kiosks, solar lighting, digital payment facilities, waste management, sanitation, seating areas, CCTV surveillance, skill development support and FSSAI certification. Published - December 24, 2025 10:33 pm IST

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