‘Smart Street Vending Market’ to come up soon in Ongole

MLA Damacherla Janardhan Rao laid the foundation stone for Smart Street Vending Market project in Ongole on Tuesday evening.

Mayor Gangadi Sujatha, Municipal Commissioner K. Venkateswara Rao, Corporators, companies’ resource persons and several street vendors participated in the programme.

“As part of the Smart Street project under the jurisdiction of Ongole Municipal Corporation (OMC), over 100 shops will be set up in 25 containers — four shops in each container. Once completed, this project is likely to help local women self help groups (SHGs) and street vendors improve their livelihoods,” the MLA said.

We are developing this project in a pleasant environment near Summer Storage Tank in Mamidipalem. This special initiative will be jointly managed by the AP MEPMA and the Municipal Department,” he said.

Speaking to The Hindu, OMC Commissioner Venkateswara Rao said this project will be similar to Smart Street at Mypadu Gate Centre on the banks of Jafar Saheb Canal in Nellore city. “It will be launched within next four months. Out of total investment of ₹4.50 crore, ₹2.90 crore will be from the municipal funds and the remaining ₹1.60 crore from MEPMA funds.”

He further said that street food vendors will be encouraged to make use of these container shops. “Each container will have ample space, a staircase and sitting area at the top. Located in a peaceful and pleasant area, this project will be able to attract huge customers.”