Nandini Outlets Proposed at 79 Indira Canteens in Bengaluru

The Greater Bengaluru Authority has prepared a proposal to make space available for Nandini milk outlets at selected Indira Canteen premises across Bengaluru. Under the plan, around 100 square feet of space could be leased to Bengaluru Cooperative Milk Union Limited, commonly known as Bamul, for a period of five years.

The proposal covers 79 Indira Canteen premises identified across the city’s five municipal corporations. The identified space would generally measure around 10 feet by 10 feet and could be used for Nandini outlets selling milk and other dairy products.

The proposal is also expected to create an additional source of rental revenue for the civic administration. The monthly rent would be calculated according to the location and the applicable guidance value of each property.

For example, a proposal reportedly places the monthly rent for 100 square feet at an Indira Canteen in Ashoknagar at around Rs 1,965. A similar sized space near the Halasuru Gate police station has been proposed at around Rs 7,031 per month, according to a report attributed to Deccan Herald.

The idea is not entirely new. A proposal to establish Nandini outlets at Indira Canteen premises was discussed in July 2025 after then Deputy Chief Minister and current Chief Minister D K Shivakumar suggested using available space at the canteens for such outlets.

Following the proposal, officials inspected locations identified by Bam ul and prepared measurements and site maps to determine whether sufficient space was available for the outlets.

The civic authorities are also looking beyond Indira Canteen premises. At Bamuls request, around 114 vacant sites across Bengaluru are being identified as possible locations for Nandini outlets.

One of the areas being examined is the central Bengaluru municipal corporation jurisdiction, where 18 Indira Canteen premises and two vacant sites have reportedly been identified. Locations near Cubbon Park and Balekundri Circle are among those included in the assessment.

The proposed arrangement has also raised questions about how much space would remain available for people using the Indira Canteens. These facilities are used by people seeking affordable meals, and any reduction in seating or dining space could affect their everyday use of the canteens.

Officials have linked the proposal partly to declining footfall at some Indira Canteens. The reasons cited include concerns about the quality and variety of food being served, which may have reduced the number of customers at certain locations.

The authorities will therefore have to consider the available space at each individual canteen before finalising the outlet locations. A Nandini store could provide convenient access to milk and dairy products, but the arrangement would need to ensure that existing canteen operations are not disrupted.

There has also been a change in the proposed lease period. Municipal authorities had initially considered offering Bam ul leases lasting 15 years. The Urban Development Department subsequently advised that the lease period should be limited to five years in accordance with the applicable Bengaluru civic property management rules.

The rental amount for each location is expected to be based on the guidance value of the respective property. This means that outlets in commercially important or high value areas could attract higher monthly rents than those in other parts of the city.

The final allocation of the identified locations will depend on Bamuls decision and the completion of the civic process. The proposal is intended to make productive use of available public property while creating locations where residents can access Nandini products.

At the same time, the use of Indira Canteen premises makes the issue more sensitive because the primary purpose of these facilities is to provide affordable meals. The space requirements of both services will therefore need to be considered before the proposal is implemented.

If approved, the plan would bring Nandini outlets closer to residential and commercial areas where Indira Canteens already operate. The proposal is currently focused on identifying suitable premises, assessing available space and determining the terms for the proposed leases.

The next stage will involve decisions on the identified locations, rental arrangements and the final allocation of space. Until those steps are completed, the proposal remains an administrative plan rather than a confirmed rollout across all 79 Indira Canteens.