Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to launch a dedicated 'Gupchup Bazaar' in the city soon, with preparations already underway for the project.

According to sources, the civic body has identified space along the roadside in front of the Regional Institute of Education for the proposed market. The bazaar will be developed on the lines of a vending zone to provide an organised space for gupchup vendors.

The selected site has already undergone beautification work, including paving with paver blocks and installation of decorative lighting. In the initial phase, around 30 to 40 gupchup vendors will be accommodated in the market.

The vendors will be provided with specially designed trolleys. The BMC has already completed the procurement of these trolleys. Vendors currently operating in areas such as Sahid Nagar, Nicco Park and nearby localities are likely to be shifted to the new market.

The proposed bazaar is expected to offer a wide variety of gupchup items, making it a dedicated destination for the popular street snack.

BMC sources further informed that more than 80 customised trolleys have been designed for the initiative. However, the civic body is yet to make a decision regarding the charges or fees that vendors may have to pay for using the facilities.