This article examines the structural and socio-economic transformation of fish vendors at the Bhandewadi, Mangalwari and Mayo Fish Market hubs in Nagpur. By analyzing the shift from the survival tactics of the COVID-19 era to the formalized infrastructure projects of 2026 and examining vendor income, product loss rates, hygiene practices, and digital adoption over six years, the study highlights how urban planning and national schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) are reshaping the informal food economy. Ultimately, it shows how smart city planning and modern cold-chain facilities have helped stabilize incomes and improve quality.