CM Rekha Gupta Expands Atal Canteen Network Near Hospitals to Ensure Affordable Meals for Caregivers

CM Rekha Gupta has approved the launch of 40 new Atal Canteens outside major government hospitals in Delhi, ensuring access to nutritious meals at a nominal cost of five rupees. Designed to operate for extended hours from 10 AM to 10 PM, these canteens aim to address a critical gap faced by caregivers who often struggle to find hygienic and affordable food while attending to patients.

The expansion builds on the existing network of more than seventy Atal Canteens already functioning across the city, with a clear target to scale up to one hundred units in the near term. Unlike regular locations that currently serve meals during limited lunch and dinner slots, the hospital based canteens will remain open for twelve hours daily, offering greater flexibility and convenience to visitors.

Each canteen will provide a balanced meal that includes roti, vegetables, rice and pickle, served in a clean steel plate system to maintain hygiene standards. The service follows a QR code based token mechanism, ensuring smooth and transparent distribution. With a capacity of around five hundred plates per day at each location, the initiative is designed to cater to a significant number of beneficiaries on a daily basis.

The government has allocated a budget of approximately 104 crore rupees for the implementation of this expansion, reflecting its commitment to strengthening food security for vulnerable groups. Major hospitals such as Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital, Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital are expected to see immediate benefits, as they receive a high footfall of patients and attendants from across Delhi and neighboring states.

For many families, especially those traveling from outside the city, access to safe and affordable food has been a persistent challenge, often leading them to rely on roadside options with uncertain quality. This initiative aims to replace that dependence with a reliable and dignified alternative.

The expansion of the Atal Canteen network reflects a broader governance approach that prioritizes inclusive welfare and dignity in public service delivery. By ensuring that no individual attending a medical emergency has to worry about food, the Rekha Gupta government is reinforcing its commitment to accessible and compassionate urban support systems.