Chennai airport has launched the Udan Yatri Cafe, offering tea for Rs 10 and coffee for Rs 20, as part of a government initiative to provide affordable food and drinks. This initiative stemmed from AAP MP Raghav Chadha’s concern about overpriced airport food, initially raised in Rajya Sabha. Following the pilot project in Kolkata, the cafe aims to address the issue of inflated prices faced by passengers, such as Rs 100 for water and Rs 200-250 for tea. Chadha praised the initiative on social media and vowed to continue advocating for public interest in airport management and affordable travel.
New Delhi:
You can now purchase tea for Rs 10 and coffee for Rs 20 at Chennai airport with the launch of Udan Yatri Cafe, an initiative by the government aimed at providing tea, water, and snacks at fair prices. The topic of exorbitant food and drink prices at airports was initially brought up by AAP MP Raghav Chadha in the Rajya Sabha, leading to the government’s subsequent action.
On X, Mr. Chadha shared the news of the Udan Yatri Cafe’s inauguration in Chennai, stating, “A small spark can light up the darkest skies…First Kolkata, now Chennai. It’s encouraging to see affordable food canteens being set up at airports. I am thankful to everyone who backed my call for reasonably priced food and drinks at airports. Congratulations to all – together, we can make a significant difference.”
A small spark can light up the darkest skies…
First Kolkata, now Chennai!
Glad to see affordable food canteens being set up at Airports. Grateful to everyone who supported my demand for affordable food and drinks at airports. Congratulations to each one of you – every drop… pic.twitter.com/EN8L1ESYnL
— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) February 28, 2025
“I will continue to advocate for issues that matter to the public. Please keep sending your suggestions,” he remarked.
The Civil Aviation Ministry announced the debut of the ‘Udan Yatri Cafe’ at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport as a pilot scheme in December. This initiative followed AAP MP Chadha’s concern regarding inflated prices for food at airports in the Rajya Sabha.
During his speech, Mr. Chadha shed light on the difficulties faced by travelers who are compelled to pay excessive prices for food and drinks at airports.
“A water bottle costs Rs 100, and tea is priced at Rs 200-250. Why can’t the government set up affordable canteens at airports?” he questioned.
He also criticized the inefficient management of airports, comparing them to bus terminals due to lengthy queues, congestion, and lack of order.
Mr. Chadha’s address was met with widespread acclaim on social media, with many acknowledging him as a voice for everyday citizens, according to the AAP.
He also reminded the government of its commitment to making air travel accessible, noting that soaring prices have made it difficult for ordinary people to afford flights.