Kathua, July 17, 2026 : Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Friday announced that Lakhanpur has been selected among 50 towns across India for development as a Street Food Hub under the PM SVANidhi initiative. He also unveiled plans for constructing a ₹1.5 crore landmark gateway monument at the entry point to Jammu and Kashmir, marking a major boost to tourism, local livelihoods, and regional infrastructure.
During his visit to the Lakhanpur Vendors Market, the Union Minister received a warm welcome from street food vendors and traders. Addressing the gathering, he said the Narendra Modi Government has, for the first time, introduced a dedicated national initiative focused on the welfare and empowerment of street vendors through the PM SVANidhi scheme.
Dr. Singh stated that previous governments had overlooked the concerns of street vendors, whereas the PM SVANidhi initiative has helped bring them into the economic mainstream by providing financial support, dignity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Highlighting Lakhanpur’s inclusion in the first phase of the Street Food Hub programme, he said the project reflects the government’s commitment to empowering small entrepreneurs while creating organised, hygienic, and tourist-friendly vending spaces.
According to the Minister, the proposed Street Food Hub will be developed in two clusters near the Old Bus Stand and the Sales Tax Office in Lakhanpur Market. Spread across 1,754.25 square metres, the project will feature modern vending infrastructure while promoting Dogra cuisine and other regional delicacies, offering visitors an authentic culinary experience.
Situated at the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir from Pathankot and on the route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Lakhanpur witnesses a high influx of tourists, pilgrims, and transit travellers throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for the initiative.
Dr. Singh revealed that the Centre received 126 proposals from 32 States and Union Territories, covering 106 Urban Local Bodies and seven Census Towns, with Lakhanpur securing a place in the first phase of the prestigious programme.
The Minister also announced the construction of a landmark gateway monument and beautification of Lakhanpur at an estimated cost of over ₹1.5 crore. He said a portion of the funding would come from his Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) allocation, while the remaining amount would be mobilised through other available government resources.
During the visit, Dr. Singh inaugurated a statue of Maharaja Gulab Singh, describing it as a tribute to the Dogra ruler’s immense contribution to nation-building and the history of Jammu and Kashmir.
Reviewing ongoing infrastructure projects, the Union Minister said the long-pending Shahpur Kandi Project has become operational, while work on the Ujh Multipurpose Project is expected to commence soon after receiving final approvals. He said the Ujh project would significantly improve irrigation facilities in Kathua, Samba, and parts of Jammu district, besides ensuring better utilisation of water resources.
Dr. Singh further announced that approvals have been secured to rename Kathua Railway Station after Shaheed Captain Sunil Sharma, expressing confidence that the formal notification would be issued shortly.
Responding to concerns over shifting the vehicle fitness testing facility from Kathua to Samba, the Minister clarified that the move was necessitated by the establishment of a modern automated testing centre at Samba and added that a similar facility for Kathua is also under consideration.
Expressing gratitude, local vendors thanked the Union Minister for bringing the Street Food Hub project to Lakhanpur, stating that it would provide a cleaner, organised, and dignified working environment while enhancing facilities for tourists, pilgrims, and travellers visiting Jammu and Kashmir.
