Evaluating Policy-Reality Disconnect: An Assessment of Siting, Design, and Affordability Gaps in Trivandrum’s Vending Formalisation
Author(s): 1. Vaishnavi M., 2. Levin Prabhu J
Authors Affiliations:
1B.Arch – Graduate Student, DC School of Architecture and Design, Trivandrum, India
2Professor, DC School of Architecture and Design, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
DOIs:10.2015/IJIRMF/202606027 | Paper ID: IJIRMF202606027The integration of India's extensive street vending economy into the formal urban framework remains a persistent challenge. This disconnection often reveals the gap between policy intentions and reality, thereby negatively impacting vendors' livelihoods. This paper analytically considers formalization efforts required by the Street Vending Act (2014), particularly the local deployment of this effort, i.e., the identified vending areas of the Trivandrum City, Kerala. Using qualitative approach including a comparative analysis of case studies and primary examination of sites, the study explores all the crucial variables like site choice, infrastructural development and economic viability. The evidence suggests that the failure of formal zones often can be attributed to three overlapping elements, namely, locational incompatibility (the Siting Gap), financial exclusion (the Affordability Gap), as well as serious design flaws (the Design Gap). The paper finds that what is needed to integrate effectively in the context of shifting away isolated administrative zoning to participatory governance, comprehensive spatial planning, and adaptable design models, to realize spatial justice and contribute to sustainable urban livelihoods.
1. Vaishnavi M., 2. Levin Prabhu J (2026); Evaluating Policy-Reality Disconnect: An Assessment of Siting, Design, and Affordability Gaps in Trivandrum’s Vending Formalisation, International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field, ISSN(O): 2455-0620, Vol-12, Issue-6, Available on – https://www.ijirmf.com/
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