Bengaluru: As many as 79 Indira Canteen premises across Bengaluru may soon make space for Nandini milk outlets, with the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) proposing to lease around 100 square feet at each selected canteen to the Bengaluru Urban, Rural and Ramanagara District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Societies Union Limited (BAMUL).

The proposal seeks to make use of portions of Indira Canteen premises that are considered underutilised while expanding access to Nandini dairy products across the city. The identified spaces would be leased to BAMUL for a period of five years, subject to the approval and allotment process.

79 canteen premises identified

Officials from the five city corporations under the GBA have identified 79 Indira Canteen premises where Nandini outlets could be established. The proposed space at each location is around 100 square feet.

The monthly rent is expected to vary depending on the location of the canteen. According to the available report, the proposed rents range from about ₹1,965 to ₹7,031 per month.

The proposal is aimed at putting underused portions of existing public premises to productive use while creating additional points for residents to purchase Nandini milk and other dairy products.

BAMUL, which operates Nandini dairy services in the Bengaluru region, would decide on the allotment and operation of the outlets. BAMUL’s official website lists its Bengaluru headquarters on Dr M.H. Marigowda Road and identifies the organisation as the Bengaluru cooperative milk union serving the region.

Proposal linked to underused canteen space

The move comes amid concerns over declining footfall at some Indira Canteens. Officials have reportedly attributed the reduced usage to issues such as changes in food quality and variety.

The proposal therefore seeks to use portions of the premises that may not be fully utilised by the canteens. Rather than leaving the additional space vacant, the GBA is considering leasing it for Nandini outlets.

The arrangement could also bring dairy products closer to residents in different parts of Bengaluru, particularly in neighbourhoods where the identified Indira Canteens are located.

Five-year lease proposed

The proposed lease period is five years. The arrangement is linked to the BBMP Property Management Rules, 2024, under which such leases can be granted for a maximum period of five years.

The proposal was initially initiated in July 2025 by then Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The current GBA administration is now considering the identified premises and the proposed leasing arrangement.

The exact number of outlets that will eventually become operational will depend on the approval process and BAMUL’s decision on allotment.

Nandini outlets could add another public service point

Nandini is the dairy brand operated through Karnataka’s cooperative milk network and offers products including milk, curd, ghee, sweets and other dairy items.

Bengaluru has already seen efforts to expand Nandini’s retail presence through different formats. BAMUL has also been involved in plans for Nandini Cafe-cum-Parlors at metro station locations in the city.

The proposed Indira Canteen locations would provide another potential network of retail points. For BAMUL, the arrangement could offer access to established premises in residential and high-footfall areas without requiring entirely new standalone locations.

For the civic administration, leasing the unused or underused portions could generate rental revenue while giving the spaces an additional public-facing use.

Proposal awaits further action

The plan to accommodate Nandini outlets at 79 Indira Canteens is still a proposal, and the final implementation will depend on the necessary administrative decisions and allotment by BAMUL.

If approved, the initiative would bring two publicly supported service networks together under the same premises — affordable food through Indira Canteens and dairy products through Nandini outlets.

The proposal also reflects the GBA’s attempt to make better use of existing civic infrastructure while responding to changing patterns in the use of Indira Canteens across Bengaluru.