Delhi hits 100 Atal Canteens, 25 new outlets opened

Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta and former vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday inaugurated 25 new Atal Canteens, taking the total network to 100 outlets across the capital. The launches coincided with the eighth death anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. India Today reports that the government met its target of operationalising 100 canteens within 7-8 months.

The canteens provide a meal of dal, rice, roti and vegetables at Rs 5 per plate. The Times of India says the 100 outlets will collectively serve around one lakh needy people daily, including labourers, slum residents, and university students. Around 95 lakh subsidised meals have been served since the scheme began on December 25, 2025, on Vajpayee's birth anniversary, according to the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board.

Gupta said the scheme reflects the government's aim that no person in Delhi should sleep hungry. Urban development minister Ashish Sood said it recognises the contribution of workers who run the city. The 25 new outlets are located near hospitals such as AIIMS and LNJP, in slum clusters in Janakpuri and Vikaspuri, and at metro stations and bus stands. The canteens have a combined annual capacity of about 3.65 crore meals.