Delhi Atal Canteens see huge turnout as over 33,000 avail Rs 5 meals in two days

Over 33,000 people have availed subsidised meals at Delhi’s newly launched Atal Canteens within the first two days of operations, government officials said on Friday, as reported by news agency PTI.

The response was strong from day one. On Thursday, 17,587 people were served food across the canteens. Lunch drew 8,604 beneficiaries, while 8,983 people turned up for dinner.

Footfall remained high on Friday as well. Till the time of reporting, 15,805 people had eaten at the canteens. Of these, 10,696 meals were served during lunch hours and 5,109 during dinner.


In total, 33,392 people benefited from the scheme in just 48 hours, official figures showed.

The Atal Canteens provide nutritious meals for Rs 5, aimed at daily-wage workers, the urban poor and other economically vulnerable groups.

The initiative was launched on Thursday to mark the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Meals are served at fixed hours. Lunch is available from 11.30 am to 2 pm, while dinner is served between 6.30 pm and 9 pm.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government plans to set up 100 Atal Canteens across the city.

So far, 45 canteens have begun operations. The remaining 55 are expected to open in the next 15 to 20 days.

Inputs from PTI