Atal Canteens in Delhi serve Rs 5 meals twice a day

For Rs 5, a worker can get a meal twice a day at Delhi’s Atal Canteens, a network the government says now has more than 100 outlets across the capital.

The canteens, largely located near labour centres, JJ clusters, industrial districts and transit zones, are serving more than one lakh meals daily, the government said. Each outlet is expected to provide about 1,000 meals a day. The stated meal size is around 600 grams, while the government contributes Rs 25 towards an estimated Rs 30 cost per plate.

The network reached 100 outlets after 25 new canteens opened on August 17. The government says the kitchens use LPG, RO-treated water and digital token systems, with CCTV surveillance and regular quality audits. Food samples are tested at FSSAI and NABL-accredited laboratories.

For daily-wage workers and others travelling through Delhi’s industrial and transport corridors, the scheme offers a low-cost, predictable meal option close to where they work. The government has said humanitarian organisations have also expressed interest in partnering with the canteens.