Pune Food Vans, Khau Gallis Asked To Close By 10 PM; Students Fear Loss Of Affordable Late-Night Food
Pune Food Vans, Khau Gallis Asked To Close By 10 PM; Students Fear Loss Of Affordable Late-Night Food
Pune, May 29: Pune’s famous khau gallis and roadside food stalls may soon stop serving customers late into the night, as city police have directed eateries, food vans, hawkers, and outdoor dining setups to shut operations after 10 PM.
The decision has been taken by Pune Police citing growing traffic congestion, crowd management problems, and law-and-order concerns in several busy food hubs across the city. According to officials, late-night gatherings at popular eating spots often lead to traffic jams and create challenges for police personnel in maintaining public order.
Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has reportedly instructed authorities to strictly implement the new timing restrictions. Officials reviewed the city’s situation over the past few days before deciding to regulate late-night commercial activities more strictly. Food stalls, hawkers, outdoor dining establishments, and food vans operating beyond 10 PM could now face action from authorities.
The move has raised concerns among Pune’s large student community. As one of India’s major educational centres, Pune is home to thousands of students who depend on affordable street food for late-night meals. Many students attending coaching classes or preparing for competitive exams till late hours rely on roadside stalls for quick and budget-friendly food options.
Students fear that the early shutdown may leave them with limited affordable dining choices at night. Many say eating regularly at restaurants is expensive, making street food stalls an important part of their daily routine.
Small food business owners are also worried about the impact of the decision. Vendors claim that a major portion of their daily earnings comes after 10 PM, when students, office-goers, and travellers usually visit popular food hubs and khau gallis across the city.
Several stall owners have said the restriction could significantly affect their income and make it difficult to sustain their businesses. Vendors also pointed out that they are already dealing with rising operational costs, including increasing prices of vegetables, cooking oil, LPG cylinders, fuel, and other essentials.
The decision is also being linked to heightened security measures ahead of upcoming festivals and events. Authorities have reportedly increased monitoring in public places and imposed restrictions on certain gatherings, rallies, and processions as a precautionary step.
While police officials maintain that the move is necessary for smoother traffic flow and better law-and-order management, the decision has sparked debate among students, residents, food lovers, and business owners. Many believe the restrictions could impact Pune’s well-known late-night food culture, which has long been a part of the city’s identity.
As the new rule comes into effect, attention will now be on how strictly it is enforced and whether authorities consider any relaxation in response to public concerns.
