Thattukadas in Kochi go hi-tech

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Kochi City Corporation has lined up 50 modern hi-tech mobile wayside eateries that are hygienic and comply with all food safety standards and are a first in South India. The specially designed modernised handcarts made of stainless steel have all the necessary facilities for cooking and storing food, cleaning utensils, wash basins and proper lighting.

The selected beneficiaries were given training at the Food Craft Institute, Kalamassery and uniforms, health cards, registration cards and identity cards were also provided to them. The eateries have been launched using Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project (KSUDP) funds as part of the corporation's campaign 'Street Food, Safe Food'.

At a function held on Friday at Eranakulath-appan Ground, mayor Tony Chammany handed over the keys of the mobile food courts to 10 selected vendors.

The mayor said the corporation in association with the Kudumbasree mission plans to open 74 roadside eateries in all divisions in the corporation area. The shops will be run by Kudumbasree workers. "Measures will be taken to streamline the roadside eateries and only the licensed ones complying with food safety norms will be allowed to function.If needed, more such shops will be permitted," he said.

The Syndicate Bank has provided a loan of Rs 1 crore. Each shop costs Rs 69,980. A loan of Rs 1.40 lakh has been made available of which Rs 50,000 is subsidy.

"A lot of commuters and travellers visit the city on a regular basis. For them, quality street food is important. The Corporation will take all necessary steps to ensure the quality of street food," the mayor added.