List of all Amma Unavagams in Chennai that are open during the lockdown

by April 2, 2020 Governance
Chennai has 407 Amma Unavagams functioning through the day, from 6 am to 9 pm, during the lockdown. With eateries closed, these have recorded more footfall and have been equipped to cater to even more. Find the list of all operational canteens in Chennai here.

While most of restaurants in the city have downed their shutters, the Amma Unavagams have come to the rescue of daily wagers and migrant labourers in Chennai. Ever since the lockdown was announced, the government-run canteens have been witnessing heavy footfall. Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has also announced free food for the sanitation workers during the lockdown period.

“Every canteen has the potential to cater to 2000 to 3000 people every day. All the canteens can together cater to about 10 lakh people. We have equipped them to cater to more,” says GCC Commissioner Prakash.

The corporation has also trained the canteen workers in cleaning and maintaining a hygienic environment.

The 407 canteens in the city have been adequately stocked with dry rations and vegetables required for the next 30 days anticipating the demand. The food here is offered at a subsidised cost: each idli costs Rs 1, two pieces of roti Rs 3, Pongal Rs 5 and rice varieties including sambar, lemon and curd for Rs 5.

The canteens are open daily, between 6 am and 9 pm.

Find the list of Amma Unavagams that are functioning across the city here:

Sections:

About Bhavani Prabhakar

Bhavani Prabhakar was Staff Reporter at Citizen Matters Chennai.
Read more by Bhavani Prabhakar

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Similar Story

Pre-poll report card: Citizens raise concerns over urban planning and governance gaps

by March 30, 2026 Governance
As the Assembly elections near, residents across Chennai flag zoning violations, poor urban planning amid rapid growth.

As cities grow rapidly, traffic, buildings, and loss of green cover inevitably follow. In 1974, the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) covered 1,189 sq. km; by 2022, it had expanded to 5,904 sq. km, bringing with it challenges of governance. Gaps in governance are foremost on the minds of the 28.3 lakh Chennai voters set to elect their Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) on April 23rd. The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government made 505 promises in 2021, of which it claims to have met 80%. But as residents and citizen groups come up with their manifestos ahead of the April…

Continue reading

Similar Story

In Bengaluru’s Kogilu Layout, evictions create another housing crisis for the city

by , and March 19, 2026 Governance
Months after the Kogilu demolitions, displaced residents still live in tents, citing lack of prior notice and delays in promised rehabilitation.

On December 20, 2025, families in Kogilu Layout, Yelahanka, awoke to the sound of bulldozers and their homes being razed. Vessels, bedding, school bags, medicines, and documents lay scattered around or broken. While official figures state that 167 structures were removed, residents and petitioners report higher numbers.  Beside the rubble, families assembled tarpaulin shelters. Residents say that for several days, makeshift solutions for water, toilets, and electricity were arranged and civil society groups provided temporary relief.  Residents and civil-society groups also allege that there was no written notice before the pre-dawn demolitions. In the aftermath, it is unclear where people slept…

Continue reading