Policing their diet: How mobile canteens are providing ‘meals on wheels’ to Mumbai’s cops

Mumbai city news: Though the menu has not yet been revealed, officials said it would be tailored to the force’s diet

Mumbai police will no longer have to rely on unhealthy street food for a quick bite between duties. The force has come up with mobile canteens, or ‘meals on wheels‘ to give officials on long bandobast duties nutritious food.

Police vans that have been in use for more than six years were converted into food trucks, where eight people can sit and eat comfortably. (HT Photo)

Mumbai police commissioner Datta Padsalgikar was worried about his colleagues, who work well over 12 hours a day and go without weekly offs during festivals, important events and functions and while guarding VVIPs. They often eat junk food, which raises their cholesterol and blood pressure. As many as 78 policemen died of heart attacks between 2014 and 2016.

To prevent this, Atul Patil, deputy commissioner of police, motor vehicle department, came up with the idea of mobile canteens.

Police vans that have been in use for more than six years were converted into food trucks, where eight people can sit and eat comfortably. The food will be prepared inside the van.

Though the menu has not yet been revealed, officials said it would be tailored to the force’s diet. The police have sought clearances and safety measures for the initiative.