Stories
IIT Kharagpur Introduces Smart Initiative to Transform Street Food Vending
- •IIT Kharagpur has launched the Nagar Udyam project during its Platinum Jubilee year to support small street food vendors.
- •The smart food vending system is built through Setu Cloud Kitchen Connect and features solar-powered mobile carts.
- •The carts include hygienic food-serving facilities, digital payment integration, and easy attachment to motorbikes.
- •Authorities plan to expand this eco-friendly and technologically advanced model across West Bengal after successful campus testing.
Key Questions Answered
The Nagar Udyam project is a smart food vending system introduced by IIT Kharagpur during its Platinum Jubilee year to guide marginal small business owners toward eco-friendly livelihoods and modern technology. Conceived by Director Suman Chakraborty, it aims to foster financial stability and self-reliance among street food vendors.
The modern mobile cart is powered by solar energy, features a bright product display, and incorporates a three-way waste segregation system alongside hygienic food serving facilities. It also integrates digital payment options to streamline financial transactions for small business owners.
Mounted on a three-wheeler or easily attached to a motorbike, the cart allows vendors to transport it seamlessly and reach different customer groups throughout the day without occupying public spaces permanently. After business hours, vendors can easily drive the vehicle back home for safe storage.
