Lucknow: Building on Lucknow’s Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy recognition, Uttar Pradesh tourism department is set to introduce technology-enabled double-decker food trucks to combine regional cuisine, immersive digital experiences and tourism promotion.In the first phase, the trucks will be stationed at the zoo and the Lohia Park. UP eco-tourism development board has invited bids from private operators to design, build, operate and maintain the double-decker food trucks. The selected operator will be awarded an initial 10-year concession, extendable by another 10 years based on performanceTourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said: “A new dimension will be added to the visitor experience while introducing tourists to UP’s culinary heritage through the state’s One District One Cuisine (ODOC) initiative.”Additional chief secretary, tourism and culture, Amrit Abhijat said Lucknow is recognised as UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, so it must showcase UP’s rich culinary traditions in innovative ways. “The project represents a new model of experiential tourism where food, technology, sustainability and heritage converge on a single platform,” he said.As per project documents, the double-decker buses have been conceived as mobile tourism destinations rather than conventional food courts. The lower deck will house a modern commercial kitchen serving freshly prepared regional cuisine, while the upper deck will feature an immersive visitor lounge equipped with augmented and virtual reality technology.Diners will be able to explore virtually the state’s monuments, wildlife destinations, cultural heritage and tourism circuits. Digital heritage galleries, immersive audio experiences and LED-based storytelling installations will further enrich the experience.The buses will incorporate several smart and sustainable features, including solar panels, AI-enabled CCTV surveillance, digital POS systems, UPI and card payment facilities, QR code-based customer feedback, LED information displays and bio-toilets.Single-use plastic will be prohibited, with food served only in biodegradable packaging such as leaf plates, bamboo, clay and other eco-friendly alternatives. While govt will provide premium tourism locations and facilitate statutory approvals, private operators selected will invest in the food trucks and be responsible for their design, operation and maintenance with prescribed standards on hygiene, food safety, environmental compliance and visitor services. UPETDB will monitor service quality through audits and inspections.Fresh opportunities will be created for local chefs, self-help groups, regional food entrepreneurs and traditional culinary practitioners.
