Krishnachand K By

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After scoring a hit with ‘jail chappathis’ and fashion designing concept, the Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services is all set to launch a state-of-the-art cafeteria in Poojappura.

Delicacies ranging from the chappathi-chicken combo to the special dum biriyani will be served at reasonable rates here. Branded Food For Freedom (FFF), the outlet will be opened in Kochi later.

The air-conditioned joint will come up on 15 cents of land adjacent to the central prison compound owned by the Prison Department. The construction of a single block of 950 sq m that commenced hardly two weeks ago is going on in full swing. Special sound-proof glass is being used for the cafeteria. The place is likely to be opened this month-end. The ambience will be lit up by LED televisions and music. Self-service will be offered initially. “Our people will be present throughout to help the customers,” prison officials said. Ample parking space and modern toilets are other features.

DGP (Prisons) Loknath Behera told ‘Express’ that the idea arose after receiving numerous requests from students and bachelors in the city. “Many people need a ‘space’ for eating home-made food. We collectively took effort to set up a modern restaurant on the lines of KFC and McDonalds. Ultimately, we want to cater to ‘desi’ needs at reasonable prices in hygienic environs. We plan to set up WiFi-enabled computers and make it a hang-out joint. We spoke to directors Siddique and Lal on becoming its brand ambassadors,” he said.

The project will be implemented in other districts starting with Kochi, he said. The facility will be completed with a total estimate of around `20 lakh. Initially, chappathis, idlis, dum biriyani and vegetarian and non-vegetarian side dishes will be served. In second phase, there are plans for bakery products, sweets.