BBMP to distribute electric pushcarts at 90% subsidy for Bengaluru vendors

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has announced a new initiative to support street vendors by distributing custom-designed electric pushcarts at a 90% subsidy. The civic body has allocated ₹40 crore for the scheme, with applications open since January 4.

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The BBMP’s Social Welfare Department is finalizing five e-vehicle designs tailored to different trades. One design includes a stove, gas cylinder, and kitchen setup for food vendors, while another features a display area for selling clothes and shoes. Additional designs are under development to cater to other vendor needs.

Reportedly, according to Suralkar Vikas Kishor, Special Commissioner (Health and Social Welfare), BBMP, vendors must contribute at least 10% of the vehicle's cost, as no pushcart will be distributed for free. The base price of the e-vehicles starts at ₹1.45 lakh, with the final price to be determined through a tender process. Smaller manual pushcarts, priced at ₹20,000, will also be distributed in limited numbers.

Street vendor unions have welcomed the initiative but cautioned against viewing electric pushcarts as a substitute for establishing adequate vending zones across the city. They emphasized the importance of integrating the scheme into a broader framework that ensures vendors' livelihoods and space allocation.

While the exact number of e-vehicles to be distributed remains undecided, the move is seen as a step toward promoting sustainable street vending while addressing urban mobility challenges.