Chennai Amma Canteens See Record June Footfall After Rs 17.6 Crore Revamp
Amma Unavagam canteens across Chennai recorded a significant rise in daily footfall and revenue in June following a major Rs 17.6 crore repair and refurbishment initiative by the Greater Chennai Corporation. The average daily footfall at the city's 383 canteens rose to 1.04 lakh beneficiaries during the month, up from previous averages that hovered between 67,164 and 84,452 in the first five months of the year.
According to official data, a total of 31.23 lakh people benefited from the low-cost canteens in June, generating Rs 1.36 crore in sales. This translates to an average daily revenue of Rs 4.53 lakh.
The surge in patronage followed a directive from Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay in May, shortly after the TVK government assumed office. The Chief Minister instructed officials to upgrade infrastructure, procure necessary cooking equipment, and ensure an uninterrupted supply of hygienic and quality food.
Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner GS Sameeran stated that the civic body spent Rs 17.6 crore on major repairs and refurbishments. Over the last two months, the corporation undertook interventions including procuring cooking equipment, executing plumbing works, and carrying out other maintenance activities.
Commissioner Sameeran added that inspections by senior officers were intensified following the Chief Minister’s directions, which resulted in the increased footfall and greater public patronage.
Between January and June 2026, more than 1.5 crore people benefited from Amma Unavagams in Chennai, generating Rs 6.53 crore in total sales revenue. Prior to June, the highest monthly footfall this year was recorded in January with 26.18 lakh beneficiaries, followed by 24.5 lakh in May, 24.4 lakh in March, and 23.6 lakh in February.
The lowest turnout was recorded in April, when the number of beneficiaries dipped to 20.14 lakh. Officials attributed this drop to an LPG cylinder shortage reported in several parts of the state due to the West Asia conflict.
