UDAN Yatri Cafe to Launch with Affordable Meal Options at Airports: Naidu

Traveling through airports often comes with the frustration of overpriced food and beverages, leaving passengers with limited affordable options.

Addressing this concern, the government has unveiled a unique initiative that promises quality food at budget-friendly prices for passengers flying under the UDAN scheme. The introduction of the UDAN Yatri Cafe aims to revolutionize the airport dining experience while ensuring affordability without compromising on quality.

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The UDAN Yatri Cafe will debut at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, catering specifically to passengers traveling under the UDAN scheme.

Announcing the initiative during an event in New Delhi to unveil the airport’s Centenary Celebrations Logo, Naidu emphasized the significance of this pilot project. He highlighted that the cafe would provide a carefully curated menu offering affordable yet high-quality food options, enhancing the travel experience for passengers.

A recent survey by LocalCircles shed light on the pressing issue of exorbitantly priced food at airports. It revealed that six out of ten airline passengers found food and beverages sold at airports excessively expensive.

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Passengers reported paying over 200% more for items compared to prices at restaurants, malls, and railway stations. For instance, a simple snack like a samosa or patty might cost upwards of ₹200, while a thali meal could exceed ₹500. Similarly, a cup of coffee or tea often costs ₹200-300, significantly more than prices elsewhere.

To address these concerns, the UDAN Yatri Cafe kiosks will initially be set up in the departure lounge of Kolkata Airport. These kiosks will provide essential refreshments, including tea, coffee, snacks, and water, at significantly reduced prices.

Based on the success of this pilot project, the initiative will expand to other airports managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which oversees 125 airports nationwide.

Naidu also emphasized the government’s commitment to making air travel more inclusive and affordable as India’s aviation sector continues to grow.