Udan Yatri Cafes Bring Rs.10 Tea and Rs.20 Snacks to Airports.
In a major shift towards making air travel more inclusive, India is introducing its innovative ‘Udan Yatri Cafes’ across airports, offering affordable snacks and beverages to all passengers. At just Rs.10 for water or tea and Rs.20 for coffee or snacks, these cafés are setting a new benchmark in accessible, low-cost services at Indian airports. Inaugurating the second such café at Chennai airport, Indian Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu emphasised that the initiative aims to ensure that no passenger goes hungry while waiting for their flight.
Typically, a hot beverage and snack at an airport could cost over Rs.150, making it inaccessible for many, especially those flying on a budget. However, the Udan Yatri Cafes, which began as a pilot project at Kolkata airport, have been met with widespread appreciation for their quality and affordability. With passengers expressing high levels of satisfaction, the government is now expanding the initiative to more airports across the country. The move follows extensive feedback from passengers who highlighted the need for affordable, nutritious options that cater to a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds. The introduction of these cafés aligns with the government’s broader strategy to make air travel more accessible and passenger-friendly, particularly as more people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds are choosing to fly. According to Naidu, the expansion of the Udan Yatri Cafe model is a direct response to passenger demand. The project is an example of how the aviation sector is evolving to accommodate a diverse and growing customer base, enhancing both the passenger experience and the accessibility of services.
In his speech, Naidu also highlighted ongoing developments at Chennai airport. The airport is in the process of expanding Terminal 2 with a new phase that will increase its annual capacity from 22 million to 35 million passengers. This expansion includes an 86,135 square metre upgrade designed to enhance international operations and improve passenger flow. The terminal refurbishment plans involve a substantial investment of over ₹75 crore, underscoring the government’s commitment to modernising infrastructure to meet the rising demand for air travel. The development of the second airport in Chennai, which is being planned for the Parandur region, was also addressed by the Minister. While the project has faced resistance from local farmers and agricultural landowners, Naidu assured that the central government has already given in-principle approval and that further consultations will be held to address concerns and ensure a smooth development process. This project is part of a larger national effort to enhance air connectivity, stimulate tourism, and drive economic growth through the expansion of airport infrastructure.
In response to questions about the near-monopoly in India’s airline sector, Naidu acknowledged that while the government is keen to foster greater competition, the airline industry faces significant challenges. High investment requirements, coupled with the volatility of the sector, make it difficult for new players to enter the market. However, Naidu reassured that any new airline wishing to operate in India would receive government support to navigate these challenges, with the aim of fostering a competitive and robust aviation sector. This initiative, together with the expansion plans at Chennai airport and the broader efforts to develop more airports across the country, signals India’s ambition to not only transform its air travel landscape but also to ensure that every passenger, regardless of their background, has access to a pleasant and affordable experience. As more Udan Yatri Cafes open across airports, this model of inclusive, budget-friendly services could soon become a defining feature of India’s aviation sector, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable, equitable, and forward-thinking infrastructure development.
