Govt launches ‘Udaan Yatri Cafe’ initiative to provide affordable food at airports

Kolkata, December 22 : In a major relief for fliers and air passengers, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced the launch of “Udaan Yatri Cafe”, an eatery outlet at the airport for providing basic essentials like food and water at affordable and reasonable rates. The one-of-its kind initiative is being launched at Kolkata airport on a pilot basis and if it turns successful, it will be replicated at other airports across the country, managed by the Airports Authority of India.

In response to numerous complaints about overpriced food and drinks at airports, the Government has introduced the ‘Udaan Yatri Cafe’ initiative. This move follows Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha’s criticism during the winter session of Parliament. He highlighted the high costs of essentials like water, tea, and snacks at airports.

Raghav Chadha raised concerns in Parliament about passengers paying inflated prices for airport food and drinks. He noted that a bottle of water could cost up to Rs 100, while tea might be priced at Rs 200-250. Chadha questioned why affordable canteens couldn’t be established to ease this burden on travellers.

With the launch of first “Udaan Yatri Cafe” at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, air passengers will have access to essential items like water bottles, tea, coffee, and snacks at reasonable prices.