In an effort to improve traffic movement, remove encroachments and enhance public cleanliness, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has introduced new regulations for street vendors across the city. Under the revised guidelines, vendors will be permitted to operate only between 7 pm and 11 pm, while 14 major roads and busy stretches have been designated as no-vending zones.
The civic body has warned that strict action will be taken against violators, including the seizure of lorries, handcarts, food trucks and food tempos operating in restricted areas.
According to VMC officials, the decision was taken following repeated complaints about traffic congestion, footpath encroachments and sanitation issues. Authorities noted that vendors often occupy public spaces and footpaths, forcing customers to park vehicles on roads, thereby disrupting traffic flow and limiting pedestrian access.
The municipal corporation has also directed vendors to vacate their allotted locations after 11 pm and remove all vehicles and equipment from public spaces. Officials said food trucks and carts left parked overnight obstruct cleaning operations and contribute to hygiene concerns.
To further streamline traffic movement, the VMC has decided to clear all encroachments and roadside stalls within a 30-metre radius of major traffic junctions. Acting on an earlier police notification, authorities will remove lorries, carts and other obstructions from these areas.
The civic body also plans to keep left-side lanes clear at traffic circles and junctions to facilitate free left turns. Dividers, flexible bollards and spring posts will be installed wherever necessary. Municipal Commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu has directed ward officials to conduct regular drives against encroachments that obstruct traffic.
In a parallel initiative, the VMC will develop designated plots for public parking by carrying out land levelling, fencing and signage work at identified locations.
The circular further states that each vendor will be permitted to operate only one cart. Any additional structures such as tables, chairs, sheds or other encroachments will be removed. Officials have been instructed to implement the guidelines with immediate effect.
14 Roads and Areas Declared No-Vending Zones
As part of the first phase of enforcement, permanent street vending activities have been prohibited on the following roads and stretches:
• Airport Road to Akshar Chowk
• Yoga Circle to Akota Dandiya Bazaar Bridge to Shani Mandir Crossroad
• Sardar Estate Crossroad to Ajwa Chowk
• Vrindavan Chowk to Waghodia Highway
• Narhari Circle to Kalaghoda, Jail Road and Khanderao Market
• Susan Crossroad to Jambuva Highway
• Susan Crossroad to Shreyas School
• Yoga Circle to Canal Crossroad (Priya Talkies)
• Deluxe Society Crossroad–Mehsananagar Society–Navrachana School–Nanubhai Tower–GIPCL Circle–Mangal Pandey Road–Ratri Bazaar–L&T Circle
• Kothi Crossroad to Jubilee Baug Circle and the surrounding Sursagar area
• Khodiyarnagar Crossroad to Super Bakery, New VIP Road and Sardar Estate Crossroad
• Chakli Circle to Gotri Lake and Sevasi Chowki
• Airport Circle to Golden Chowk
• Soma Lake to Kapurai Chowk
The VMC has clarified that no permanent lorries, carts, kiosks or similar vending structures will be allowed in these no-vending zones. Vendors have been urged to comply with the regulations to avoid penalties and confiscation of their equipment.