In a significant move to provide relief to air travelers, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced the launch of the “Udaan Yatri Café,” a new initiative aimed at offering basic essentials like food and water at reasonable prices.
The first outlet of this affordable eatery is set to open at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on a pilot basis, managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). If successful, the initiative will be expanded to airports across the country.
The announcement follows recent criticism of overpriced food and beverages at airports, raised by AAP MP Raghav Chadha during the Winter Session of Parliament. Chadha had urged the government to take corrective steps to ensure air travel remains accessible for the common man.
With the launch of the “Udaan Yatri Café,” passengers at Kolkata Airport will now have access to essential items like water bottles, tea, coffee, and snacks at pocket-friendly rates.
Welcoming the initiative, Chadha expressed hope that the facility would soon be available nationwide. “Finally, the government has heard the voice of the common man. While this starts at Kolkata Airport, I urge the government to extend this to all airports, so travelers no longer have to pay Rs 100-250 for basic items like water, tea, or coffee,” he said.
Chadha also highlighted the broader challenges faced by passengers, including exorbitant prices of air tickets and poor airport management. He criticized the rising costs of domestic air travel, pointing out discrepancies in fares. “A ticket to Maldives costs Rs 17,000, but a ticket to Lakshadweep costs Rs 25,000. This is a far cry from the government’s promise of making air travel affordable for slipper-wearing citizens,” he noted.
The MP’s concerns about overpriced amenities and rising airfares have resonated widely, with social media users lauding his efforts as a voice for the common traveler.
If successful, the “Udaan Yatri Café” initiative could set a precedent for addressing affordability concerns at airports, aligning with the government’s vision of accessible and inclusive air travel.