Delhi has significantly expanded its affordable meal initiative with the inauguration of 25 new Atal Canteens, bringing the total number of operational outlets across the national capital to 100. The new canteens, which serve nutritious meals for just ₹5, were jointly inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday, August 18, 2026.
The expansion marks a major milestone for the city government's welfare program, established within seven to eight months. The initiative honors the legacy of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his vision of Antyodaya, aiming to ensure no one in Delhi goes hungry.
Affordable Meals for Vulnerable Sections
The Atal Canteens are strategically located in key areas frequented by economically weaker sections, including residential colonies, bustling market areas, hospitals, metro stations, and resettlement clusters. These locations ensure easy access for daily-wage laborers, construction workers, slum residents, and students who often struggle to afford wholesome meals.
Each canteen is designed to serve approximately 1,000 meals daily, providing staples like dal, rice, roti, and vegetables twice a day. With 100 outlets now operational, government estimates project that the network will serve nearly one lakh people every day, amounting to an impressive 3.65 crore meals annually. Since its launch on December 25, 2025, the scheme has already provided around 95 lakh subsidized meals.
Leadership Commends Initiative
“A promise to Delhi, delivered. 100 Atal Canteens will now serve nutritious, hygienic meals to nearly 1 lakh people every day for just ₹5,” Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated in an Instagram post. She added, “It is a humble tribute to Atal Ji and a promise to Delhi that no one should sleep hungry and every meal should come with dignity.”
Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu praised the initiative, highlighting its significant benefits for poor families, workers, slum dwellers, and individuals seeking employment in Delhi. CM Gupta also specifically noted the opening of a canteen near a university area, underscoring its role in providing affordable food options for students in need.
New Locations Across Delhi
The newly added Atal Canteens are spread across various zones. Key locations include:
- North Delhi: Narela SRS Colony, Holambi Khurd, Timarpur (near Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station), Azadpur Mandi.
- North West Delhi: Rohini Sector 16, Rohini Sector 3 (near Jaipur Golden Hospital), Mundka (Sawda Ghevra Phase 1 & 2), Mangolpuri X Block.
- Central Delhi: Chandni Chowk (LNJP Hospital).
- West Delhi: Janakpuri, Vikaspuri (Indira Camp No. 5, Hastsal).
- South Delhi: Opposite AIIMS, Moti Bagh (RK Puram).
- East Delhi: Anand Vihar, Seemapuri, Mustafabad (Veer Savarkar Hospital).
The inauguration ceremony, held at Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station, also saw the presence of Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood and BJP MP Manoj Tiwari. Other ministers, including Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh and Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj, inaugurated canteens at different sites across the capital.