Minister Senthil Balaji inaugurates VOC Park Road food street in Coimbatore

Food street on VOC Park Road in Coimbatore, a joint initiative of the Union Government and Corporation, set to open soon.

The food street on VOC Park Road in Coimbatore city, developed as a joint initiative of the Union Government and the Coimbatore Corporation under the National Health Mission, was inaugurated by the Minister for Electricity, Prohibition, and Excise, V. Senthil Balaji, on Sunday.

The project was completed at a cost of ₹1 crore and had 24 shops that were equipped with dedicated washing areas, water connections, and drainage facilities to maintain hygiene. The Corporation planned to provide seats for visitors too. The shops are expected to be open for visitors within a month.

Works began in October 2023 but faced delays due to multiple issues, including the tender process. In the first auction, only 10 shops were leased, as high rates were a deterrent to the participants. The base amount for each shop was set at ₹13,750, but auction rates rose to three times the amount or more.

A second auction for the remaining 14 shops was held on December 18, and tenders were awarded, but vendors were yet to complete the payment process to the Corporation.

“Once payments are completed, the Corporation will hand over the keys to vendors, and the food street is expected to open within a month, offering a hygienic and organised space for businesses and visitors,” said a Corporation official.