Udupi: The long-pending plan to establish dedicated street vending zones in Udupi city has gained momentum, with the municipality identifying five locations for the proposed facilities. A model vending centre is planned near Upendra Pai Circle, popularly known as Coin Circle, as the first phase of the initiative.

The project aims to provide street vendors with designated spaces to conduct their businesses while improving traffic flow, reducing unauthorised roadside vending and creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

The proposed zones are expected to include basic amenities for vendors and the public. The municipality is currently preparing cost estimates, while the number of stalls to be accommodated at each location will be decided after assessing the available space, project costs and vendors’ requirements.

Five locations identified for vending zones

Initially, plans were drawn up to establish street vending zones at 10 locations across Udupi. Municipal engineers and police officials jointly inspected the proposed sites to assess their suitability.

However, some locations were subsequently dropped because of space constraints and difficulties in accommodating parking, toilets and other essential facilities.

Under the revised plan, five locations have been identified for the dedicated vending zones:

  • Near Upendra Pai Circle (Coin Circle)
  • Adjacent to Santhekatte Market
  • Near the LIC office in Ajjarkad
  • Near MGM College Ground
  • Near IB Road

The municipality intends to develop the locations as organised vending spaces, subject to the completion of planning, cost estimation and other required procedures.

Model vending centre near Coin Circle

The first phase will focus on establishing a model street vending centre near Upendra Pai Circle, a prominent location in Udupi.

The municipality plans to provide basic amenities, including parking and toilet facilities, to make the centre convenient for both vendors and customers.

The proposed model centre is intended to demonstrate how designated vending spaces can accommodate small businesses while keeping surrounding roads and pedestrian areas clear.

If implemented as planned, the facility could provide vendors with a more organised place to sell their goods and help reduce congestion associated with roadside stalls.

Municipality preparing cost estimates

Udupi Municipal Commissioner Mahantesh Hangaragi said locations had been identified in five areas and that the model centre would first be established near Coin Circle.

He said the process of estimating the project cost was currently under way.

The exact number of stalls at each location will be finalised after considering the available space, estimated expenditure and demands from street vendors, the commissioner said.

The cost estimates will be an important step in determining the scale of the facilities and the infrastructure that can be provided at each site.

Project aims to support vendors and improve traffic

Street vending plays an important role in the urban economy, providing livelihoods for small traders while offering residents convenient access to food, household goods and other products.

However, vending along busy roads and footpaths can create challenges when adequate designated spaces are unavailable. These include traffic obstruction, reduced pedestrian access and difficulties in maintaining cleanliness.

The proposed vending zones seek to address these concerns by creating designated spaces where vendors can operate while allowing roads and footpaths to remain accessible.

For vendors, organised locations could offer greater clarity about where they can conduct business and reduce the uncertainty associated with operating in unauthorised roadside spaces. The availability of basic amenities could also improve working conditions.

For residents and motorists, the initiative is expected to help improve traffic movement and pedestrian convenience in areas where roadside vending affects public space.

Implementation remains the next key step

Although five locations have been identified, the project still requires further planning, including the finalisation of cost estimates and the number of stalls at each centre.

The provision of parking, toilets and other facilities will also be important to ensure that the vending zones function effectively once established.

The proposed model centre near Coin Circle will be the first test of the municipality’s approach to organised street vending. Its planning and implementation could shape the development of the other four locations.

The initiative has revived hopes of a more organised vending system in Udupi, balancing the needs of small traders with those of pedestrians, motorists and the wider public. Its impact will depend on timely implementation and the provision of suitable facilities at all five proposed sites.