Rekha Gupta Govt to Launch 40 New Atal Canteens Outside Govt Hospitals; Nutritious Meals at Just ₹5

The Rekha Gupta government has decided to open 40 new Atal Canteens outside government hospitals in Delhi. In a significant move, these specific canteens will remain operational for 12 hours, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This initiative aims to ensure that relatives accompanying patients have access to delicious and nutritious meals for just ₹5.

Expansion Plans and Budget

Currently, there are 71 Atal Canteens operating across Delhi, with a target to increase this number to 100 by March. While existing canteens serve lunch (11:30 AM to 2:00 PM) and dinner (6:30 PM to 9:00 PM), the new hospital-based units will offer extended 12-hour service. The government has allocated a budget of ₹104 crore for the implementation of this scheme.

What is Served at Atal Canteen?

For ₹5, the Atal Canteen provides a full meal served in a steel plate consisting of roti, vegetables, rice, and pickle. To avail of the meal, one must first obtain a QR code-based token. Each canteen is equipped to serve 500 plates of food daily and provides proper table seating arrangements for the public.

A Boon for Patients’ Families

Delhi’s government hospitals witness a heavy influx of patients from neighboring states. Previously, their relatives often relied on unhygienic fast food sold on footpaths. These new canteens will be a major relief for families at large hospitals like LNJP, GB Pant, and GTB.

The primary objective of the Atal Canteen initiative is to ensure that no one goes hungry in the national capital. The government’s priority remains providing nutritious food with dignity to the poor and helpless at affordable rates.