Launched in 2020 with high hopes, the Greater Chennai Corporation’s (GCC) initiative to provide smart vending capsules for street vendors has turned into a tale of missed potential and alleged misuse. Five years on, many of the 900 stainless steel carts—procured at a cost of ₹16.47 crore—lie abandoned across city zones, reportedly under the grip of local political influence.
The project, initially aimed at regulating hawking around Marina Beach following a Madras High Court directive, allocated 60% of the carts to existing vendors and 40% to new applicants. Vendors were to pay ₹1,000 per month in rent, plus a ₹200 maintenance fee. But ground reality has been far from the original plan.
Many vendors rejected the carts, citing design and operational impracticalities. Left unused, carts were later shifted to other zones. But vendors now allege that local councillors and politicians have seized control, renting out the carts privately.
In Alandur, three carts installed along Jawaharlal Nehru Salai remain idle. A couple running a food stall nearby alleged they were asked to pay ₹300 a day by a local political figure. “The cart we requested years ago was never given to us,” they said.
The situation is no different in Madipakkam, where carts along Lake View Road’s walking path remain untouched despite the area being a hotspot for evening activity.
Town Vending Committee member Balamurugan summed it up: “These carts could have helped those without capital. But now, they rot unused—caught in politics.”