The Andhra Pradesh government has unveiled a development plan designed to provide relief to small traders. Many street vendors continue to earn their livelihood by trading from pushcarts along the roads. However, due to challenges like traffic congestion and barriers to urban development, a new approach is needed to ensure their sustainability. As a result, the government has introduced a forward-thinking initiative called the ‘Smart Street Project.’ The project was initially launched as a pilot in Nellore, where container shops were set up on Maipadu Road and allocated to eligible street vendors. The state government is now expanding this initiative to the Srikakulam Kothavanthena Road, following the same model. The Smart Street Project is part of the National Urban Livelihood Mission, which was launched by the central government in 2013. The scheme aims to transition small businesses from roadside trading to a sustainable, clean, and modern platform. It focuses on enhancing the dignity of street vendors by relocating them from the streets into cleaner, organized trading spaces like container shops. The project is expected to bring several key benefits, serving as a comprehensive solution within urban development. These container shops will be constructed to meet modern standards and will include features designed for functionality and convenience. More than just trading spaces, these shops will function as permanent workspaces, equipped with all the necessary amenities to support small traders. News source: News 18