PC: (ETV Bharat, Hindustan Times)
New Delhi, February 19, 2026: The Delhi government has taken a major step towards ensuring no one in the national capital goes to bed hungry. On Thursday, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood, inaugurated 25 new Atal Canteens across the city. This expansion brings the total number of operational Atal Canteens to 71, significantly boosting the reach of this welfare initiative.
The canteens were launched digitally from Nursery Basti in Krishna Nagar, with dignitaries later sharing a meal with beneficiaries at a canteen in Geeta Colony. The scheme, inspired by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision and launched on his birth anniversary (December 25, 2025), aims to provide dignified, affordable, and nutritious food to the city’s most vulnerable residents.
Affordable and Nutritious Meals for All
Each Atal Canteen offers a wholesome vegetarian thali – including dal, rice, roti, and vegetables – for -just 5 per plate. The government subsidizes ₹25 per meal to make this possible. Managed by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), these facilities emphasize hygiene, quality, and transparency through digital token systems, computerized billing, and CCTV surveillance.
With each canteen serving around 1,000 meals daily, the network now caters to approximately 70,000 to 71,000 people every day. The primary beneficiaries include daily-wage laborers, migrant workers, rickshaw pullers, street vendors, construction workers, and students from economically weaker sections.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s Vision
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the expansion as a fulfillment of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s dream and a tribute to hardworking citizens. “In just one year of our government, we have opened 71 Atal Canteens, while the previous regime left files pending for 11 years,” she said. “This is about speed, scale, and serving with dignity. We aim to reach 100 canteens soon so that no needy person in Delhi sleeps hungry.”
Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena’s Emphasis
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena called the initiative a significant milestone, highlighting how ₹5 meals provide real relief to laborers and the underprivileged. “These canteens ensure clean, nutritious food reaches those who need it most,” he noted, adding that this is just the beginning, with further expansion planned.
Minister Ashish Sood on Public Welfare
Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood described the Atal Canteens as more than a policy – it’s a commitment to public welfare under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. “Around 70,000 people benefit daily now, and with 100 canteens, the numbers will grow further,” he said. “The Urban Development Department is dedicated to meaningful change and strengthening services for Delhi’s residents.”
Modern Features and Future Goals
The canteens are equipped with modern infrastructure to maintain quality and accountability. The government has allocated over ₹104 crore for the scheme’s operations. The target is to establish 100 Atal Canteens across Delhi, ensuring wider coverage and greater impact on food security. This initiative reflects Delhi’s commitment to inclusive growth, dignity, and zero hunger – turning the vision of a “Viksit Delhi” into reality, one affordable meal at a time.
Atal Canteens: Feeding the Hungry with Dignity and Hope!