The Atal Canteen Scheme in Delhi is a major welfare initiative aimed at providing nutritious and affordable meals for just ₹5 to the urban poor, daily wage workers, migrant labourers, and economically weaker sections. Launched in memory of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the scheme focuses on food security, dignity, and inclusive development.
With dozens of canteens already operational across the capital, Atal Canteen has become a lifeline for thousands of people who struggle to afford regular meals.
What Is Atal Canteen?
An Atal Canteen is a government-supported community kitchen where a full, balanced meal is served at a highly subsidised price. These canteens are set up in labour-dense areas, JJ clusters, industrial zones, and low-income residential localities to ensure maximum reach.
Objective of the Atal Canteen Scheme
The main goals of the scheme are:
- To provide affordable meals to the urban poor
- To reduce hunger and malnutrition
- To support daily wage earners and migrant workers
- To ensure hygienic and nutritious food
- To promote dignity through welfare, not charity
What Food Is Served at Atal Canteen?
Each Atal Canteen serves a 600-gram nutritious thali consisting of:
- 4 rotis
- Dal
- One vegetable curry
- Rice
- Pickle
The food is freshly prepared and served under monitored hygiene standards.
Cost of Food
- Meal price: ₹5 only
The actual cost is much higher, but the government covers the remaining amount through subsidies.
Meal Timings
Atal Canteens operate twice daily:
- Lunch: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
- Dinner: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
(Some locations may operate with slightly extended timings.)
Token System
To ensure fair access and prevent misuse:
- Photo of the person is taken
- Name is recorded
- Only one token per person at a time
- Second token available only after 3 hours
Capacity
- Each canteen can serve around 500 people at one time
- Designed to handle heavy daily footfall
📍 Complete List of Operational Atal Canteens in Delhi (45 Locations)
Below is the official list of all currently operational Atal Canteens in Delhi, helping people easily locate the nearest canteen:
🟢 North & North-West Delhi
- Pocket-11, Sector A-6, Narela (Hudco)
- CS Plot B-Block, Holambi Kalan
- C-Block, Shahbad Daulatpur (Dairy)
- CS Land, A-Block, SRS Bawana
- Sanjay Camp, Badli
- G-Block Cluster, Jahangirpuri, Azadpur
- Near Mohalla Clinic, AA Block, Kela Godown Road, Shalimar Bagh
- Near C-35 JSC, Wazirpur Industrial Area
- Shopping Complex, Katra Meena Beg, Malk Ganj, Timarpur
- JJ Cluster, Sanjay Basti, Timarpur
🟢 West Delhi
11. Shaheed Bhagat Singh Camp, Paschim Puri
12. N-Block, Mangolpuri
13. Land near BVK, G-Block, Mangolpuri
14. Vacant land between JJ Cluster, Shyam Nagar and Shikhri Bhatta
15. R Block JJC, Raghubir Nagar
16. Near B1 & K Block JJC, Opposite B Block Community Hall
17. Punjab Migrant Relief Camp, Peergarhi
18. Vacant parking land, F Extension, near GGS Hospital, Khyala
19. Shishu Vatika, Chunna Bhatti, Kirti Nagar
20. B-Block, Budh Nagar, Inderpuri
21. Shivaji Park, Naraina Industrial Area
🟢 South-West Delhi
22. JJ Cluster, Indira Camp No-3, Vikaspuri
23. Vacant land at Goyla Dairy
24. Sector-3, Phase-I, Dwarka
25. Jai Vihar, Phase-I, Najafgarh
26. Vacant plot near Veterinary Hospital, Sector-1, Dwarka
🟢 South Delhi
27. JJC Kusumpur Pahari, Mehrauli
28. Bhanwar Singh Camp, Vasant Vihar
29. Shanti Camp, Chhatarpur
30. Sanjay Colony, Bhati Mines
31. Nordarn Camp, S.P. Crusher, M.B. Road, Sangam Vihar
32. Balmiki Camp, Begumpur, Malviya Nagar
33. Indira Camp, Malviya Nagar
34. DDA Park, Sangam Vihar (near Police Station)
35. Sheikh Sarai, Apeejay School Road, Greater Kailash
36. Ekta Vihar, Sector-6, R.K. Puram
🟢 Central & East Delhi
37. JJ Cluster, Anna Nagar, Jangpura
38. Pratap Camp, Nehru Nagar, Jangpura
39. DDA Flats, Kalkaji
40. JJ Cluster, Rani Garden (near BVK), Krishna Nagar
41. Rajeev Camp, Krishna Market, Jhilmil Colony
42. Vacant land opposite Community Hall, Sunlight Colony, Old Seemapuri
43. C-Block, Nand Nagri, Shahdara
44. Near Lal Bagh, Jhuggi Basti, Sri Ram Nagar, Shahdara
45. GP Block, Pitampura
🟢 Status: All locations are currently Operational
Who Can Eat at Atal Canteen?
The canteens are open to everyone, but especially help:
- Daily wage labourers
- Migrant workers
- Rickshaw and auto drivers
- Construction workers
- Street vendors
- Low-income families
- Senior citizens
No documents or registration are usually required.
Future Expansion Plan
- Plan to increase canteens from 45 to 100 locations
- Expansion into more industrial and high-density areas
- Improved infrastructure and service capacity
Conclusion
The Atal Canteen scheme in Delhi is a strong step toward food security and social welfare. By offering a full meal at just ₹5, it ensures that thousands of people can eat with dignity every day.
With more locations planned and strong government support, Atal Canteen is set to become one of the most impactful urban welfare initiatives in the capital.