‘Udaan Yatri Cafe’ at airports soon, Raghav Chadha raised issue of inflated food and water prices in Parliament

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 (AAI).

Interestingly, the move comes shortly after AAP MP Raghav Chadha flagged the issue of overpriced food and beverages at airports in Parliament and sought ‘corrective steps’ to make air travel more affordable.

With the launch of the 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.

The Rajya Sabha MP welcomed the move and expressed hope that such facilities would be extended to other airports in the country.

“Finally, the government has heard the voice of the common man. While the initiative begins with Kolkata Airport, I hope it is extended to all airports nationwide. This will ensure that air travelers don’t have to pay Rs 100-250 for basic items like water, tea, or coffee,” Chadha said.

He emphasized that affordable amenities at airports are crucial for the convenience of the general public.

During the Winter session of Parliament, Raghav Chadha raised the issue of exorbitant prices at airports, highlighting how passengers were forced to pay inflated prices for food and beverages.

“A water bottle costs Rs 100, and tea is priced at Rs 200-250. Can’t the government establish affordable canteens at airports?” he had questioned. He also criticized the poor management of airports, which he likened to bus stands due to long queues, overcrowding, and disorganization.

His concerns about inflated prices at airports also found strong resonance and support on social media, with many hailing it as a ‘voice for the common man’.

He further raised concerns over the sharp rise in airfares, noting the contrast with the government’s own pledge of making ‘air travel affordable for slipper-wearing citizens’.

“The government promised that people in slippers would fly, but now even those wearing Bata shoes can’t afford air travel,” he told the House.

“A ticket to Maldives costs Rs 17,000, but a ticket to Lakshadweep, which the government is promoting as a tourist destination, costs Rs 25,000,” he pointed out.