Chennai’s Amma Canteens have witnessed a sharp increase in patronage following a series of measures initiated by the Tamil Nadu government to improve food quality, hygiene and infrastructure. According to Greater Chennai Corporation officials, the number of people dining at Amma Canteens every day has increased from around 70,000 to over 1.05 lakh after Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay directed officials to upgrade the facilities and ensure better quality food, as reported in Dinamalar.
Footfall Rises Following Government Intervention
The Chief Minister, on 18 May 2026, instructed officials to improve the infrastructure at Amma Canteens, procure modern cooking equipment and ensure that quality food is served to the public. Following the directive, senior officials, including the Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners and Zonal Joint Commissioners, have been conducting regular inspections of Amma Canteens across the city.
Until then, inspections were largely carried out by lower-level officials. Since the Chief Minister’s intervention, senior officials have personally inspected the canteens, reviewing food quality, hygiene standards, infrastructure and overall functioning. Officials have also reportedly tasted the food during inspections and suggested improvements to enhance its quality and flavour.
According to Corporation officials, these efforts have led to a noticeable improvement in public confidence, resulting in daily footfall crossing 1.05 lakh.
Amma Canteens: From Popular Welfare Scheme to Decline
Amma Canteens were launched during the AIADMK government under the leadership of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. Across Chennai, 413 Amma Canteens were established at locations including hospitals, residential neighbourhoods and bus terminals.
Officials note that while Jayalalithaa was Chief Minister, considerable attention was paid to maintaining food quality, leading to widespread public usage. During periods of natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, Amma Canteens played a crucial role in providing affordable meals to thousands of people.
However, after Jayalalithaa’s demise, although the AIADMK remained in power, officials say the canteens did not receive sustained attention for further development. The subsequent DMK government also allegedly did not prioritise their improvement. As a result, many Amma Canteens continued to function only nominally, while some were forced to shut down.
Officials said several canteens were also closed due to Metro Rail construction, road widening projects and other infrastructure works. Of the original 413 Amma Canteens established in Chennai, only 383 are currently operational.
Infrastructure Upgrades Improve Public Response
Nearly 3,000 employees currently work across Chennai’s Amma Canteens.
Before the recent improvements, daily patronage generally ranged between 65,000 and 70,000 people, with numbers falling further during summer vacations and festival periods.
Officials attributed the decline to concerns over hygiene, deteriorating building infrastructure and a perceived decline in food quality and taste.
During the 2023-24 financial year, Amma Canteens were upgraded at a cost of ₹27 crore. Although these improvements helped increase footfall gradually, the daily number of diners reportedly did not exceed 85,000.
Following the change in government and the Chief Minister’s May 18 directive, additional improvements have been introduced over the past one-and-a-half months, resulting in a significant increase in daily visitors.
Idlis Become the Most Popular Item
Corporation officials said idlis have emerged as the highest-selling food item at Amma Canteens.
According to officials, breakfast sales of idlis have increased substantially and now exceed both lunch and dinner sales. Demand for idlis has also risen during dinner hours, while sales of chapatis have declined.
Employees working at Amma Canteens said many customers now prefer idlis even at night and have increasingly requested idli podi instead of chutney.
They pointed out that preparing idli podi involves relatively low costs and that the proposal has already been placed before senior officials. Discussions are also underway on introducing idli podi as a regular accompaniment for dinner service.
Officials further said they are examining whether Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds can be utilised to further improve Amma Canteens. However, owing to financial constraints, introducing additional food varieties is currently not under consideration.
Revenue and Expenditure
Despite the increase in patronage, Amma Canteens continue to operate with significant financial support from the government.
According to official figures:
Daily revenue: ₹5 lakh
Daily expenditure: ₹29 lakh
Monthly revenue: ₹1.5 crore
Monthly expenditure: ₹8.7 crore
Annual revenue: ₹18 crore
Annual expenditure: ₹105 crore
Officials expect the number of diners to continue increasing in the coming months as further improvements are implemented across Chennai’s Amma Canteens.
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