Street vending constitutes an important component of the informal economy and provides livelihood and self-employment opportunities to a significant section of the urban population. The present study examines the socio-economic characteristics, business patterns and livelihood conditions of street vendors in Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The study focuses on vendor profiles, types of goods sold, investment, sources of finance, daily sales, digital payment practices and major business challenges. Primary data were collected from 120 street vendors through a structured questionnaire and personal interviews. Descriptive statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, mean, ranking and standard deviation were used to analyse the collected data. The findings indicate that street vending provides an accessible source of income for people with varying educational and socio-economic backgrounds. Food and snack vending represent a major category, while moderate levels of initial investment and daily sales characterize a substantial proportion of vendors. The study also indicates increasing adoption of digital payments, although vendors continue to face challenges related to rising input costs, vending space, competition, transportation and storage facilities. Awareness of government schemes and institutional financial support remains moderate, indicating the need for improved information dissemination and easier access to formal credit.

The study concludes that appropriate vending infrastructure, financial inclusion, digital support, skill development, tourism-linked opportunities and effective municipal interventions can contribute to improving the livelihood security and sustainable development of street vendors in Sri Vijaya Puram.