The expansion of Indira Canteen, a budget eatery introduced by the newly elected United Democratic Front council, is among the 31 projects identified by the Kochi Corporation in Keralam for potential assistance under the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) and the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), initiatives of the Union government.

With the maiden unit of Indira Canteen set to complete six months on September 14, 2026, the Corporation has already initiated steps to expand it with more outlets. The first unit was inaugurated on March 14 amid stiff protest from the opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF), which perceived the initiative as an attempt to sabotage the much-lauded Samridhi@Kochi, another budget eatery brand launched during the previous LDF council in 2021.

“We have already written to the managing director of the Vyttila Mobility Hub seeking land on lease for setting up an Indira Canteen, since operating out of rented premises would not be feasible. We are looking beyond Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding to support Indira Canteen by pitching it for assistance under UCF and SASCI, given the long repayment window,” said Mayor V.K. Minimol.

The Corporation remains hopeful of securing funding under the Central schemes for its proposed central kitchen in Edappally, which will serve both Indira Canteen and Samridhi@Kochi outlets.

Under the scheme, which will run from 2026 to 2031, the Union government will provide 25% of the project cost as grant, with the stipulation that at least 50% be raised through bonds, bank loans, and public-private partnerships (PPPs). SASCI extends 50-year, interest-free loans and financial incentives to States and union territories for building infrastructure and digital systems.

Indira Canteen records an average daily footfall of 3,200-3,500. So far, the Corporation has subsidised expenses on budget meals through capital investment worth around ₹19 lakh for infrastructure improvements at the outlet.

Premium facility planned

The Corporation also proposes to convert the Samridhi@Kochi outlet in Fort Kochi into a premium facility while restricting the budget service to a small counter. “Fort Kochi being a tourist destination, there is stiff protest from local traders over budget eateries eating into their business. Future Samridhi outlets will focus on premium service,” Ms. Minimol said.

V.A. Sreejith, the LDF parliamentary party leader, alleged that the move to turn Samridhi - which evolved from a hunger-free city project to provide affordable meals - into a profit-driven initiative “reeks of a larger ploy” to sabotage the concept itself. Opening more Samridhi outlets, he argued, would have benefitted the women associated with it by increasing scale of business and should have been the ideal course of action.

“The council is also in the dark about the cost of availing Central schemes like UCF. When asked about the details, the council was told they were yet to emerge,” he said.