Street Vendor Regulations in Hyderabad 2026: New Rules and Implementation Updates

Hyderabad’s street vending ecosystem is undergoing structured reform in 2025–26, as the Telangana government strengthens enforcement of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014. The reforms aim to formalize vending zones, issue legal certifications, and protect livelihoods during urban restructuring.

The implementation is being led by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) along with Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

Legal Framework and Telangana Rules

The 2014 Act mandates:

• Vendor surveys
• Formation of Town Vending Committees (TVCs)
• Protection against arbitrary eviction
• Zone-based vending regulation

Telangana notified state rules in 2020, making:

• ID cards mandatory
• Vending certificates compulsory
• Operations restricted to authorized vending zones

Earlier attempts failed due to weak demarcation and poor enforcement. The 2025 reforms aim to correct that.

Major 2025–26 Regulatory Changes

In April 2025, the Municipal Administration & Urban Development (MAUD) department directed:

• Classification of vending zones into Green, Amber, and Red areas
• Demarcation across 30 GHMC circles
• GIS-based mapping of informal vending clusters
• Needs-based planning (footfall, demand, traffic flow)

The GHMC Town Vending Committee mandated that only certified vendors with ID cards can legally operate.

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Implementation Mechanism

Key operational steps include:

• Mobile-app based vendor surveys
• Monthly vending plan updates by provisional TVCs (11 members)
• Development of modular stalls with sanitation, lighting, and digital boards
• Infrastructure inspiration from models in Delhi and Ahmedabad
• Financial inclusion via PM SVANidhi camps
• Legally compliant relocation and eviction processes

Vendor Requirements & Legal Protections

To qualify:

• Age 18+
• Aadhaar or ration card
• Local residence verification

ID cards contain:

• Name
• Address
• Vending location
• Contact number

Protections under the Act:

• No eviction before survey and certification
• 2.5% ward population inclusion rule
• Vendor representation in Town Vending Committees

Any eviction without compliance violates the 2014 Act.

Challenges & Ongoing Issues

Despite progress, full demarcation is delayed in:

• Old City
• Banjara Hills

Space constraints and overlapping land use remain obstacles.

Monitoring is handled by:

• MEPMA
• GHMC planning departments

License renewals will attract penalties after February 2026, increasing urgency for compliance.