Air travel in India has long been associated with high costs, not just for tickets but also for food and beverages at airports. Recognizing this concern, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) introduced the UDAN Yatri Cafe, an initiative aimed at providing affordable and hygienic refreshments to passengers. This initiative is not just about low prices; it’s about making air travel more accessible and comfortable for every Indian, aligning with the broader vision of the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme.
Tea at Rs 10, Coffee at Rs 20
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Inception | First launched at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in December 2024. |
| Menu Pricing | Tea at ₹10, Coffee at ₹20, Samosa at ₹20, Sweet of the Day at ₹20. |
| Daily Footfall | Approximately 900 passengers per day at the Kolkata outlet. |
| Expansion | Following success in Kolkata, the cafe was inaugurated at Chennai Airport in February 2025, with plans to launch at Delhi Airport soon. |
| Customer Satisfaction | Over 90% positive feedback on affordability and quality. |
| Official Endorsement | Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu emphasizes the initiative’s role in making air travel more affordable. |
| Official Source | Airports Authority of India |
The UDAN Yatri Cafe represents a significant step towards democratizing air travel in India. By addressing the long-standing issue of overpriced food and beverages at airports, this initiative ensures that passengers can enjoy affordable and quality refreshments during their journeys. As the program expands to more airports, it promises to enhance the travel experience for countless passengers across the nation.
The Genesis of UDAN Yatri Cafe
The UDAN Yatri Cafe was first inaugurated on December 21, 2024, at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport during its centenary celebrations. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu led the inauguration, highlighting the government’s commitment to making air travel more affordable and accessible. The cafe’s introduction was a direct response to frequent passenger feedback regarding the high prices of food and beverages at airports.
Menu and Pricing: Budget-Friendly Delight
One of the standout features of the UDAN Yatri Cafe is its budget-friendly menu. Passengers can enjoy:
- Tea: Priced at ₹10.
- Coffee: Available for ₹20.
- Samosa: A popular Indian snack priced at ₹20.
- Sweet of the Day: Daily dessert offerings at ₹20.
- Bottled Water: Available for ₹10.
These prices are significantly lower than those at other airport food outlets, making it a popular choice among travelers.
Why These Prices Matter
According to a survey conducted by LocalCircles, over 60% of airline passengers felt they were charged 100-200% more for food and beverages at airports compared to railway stations or retail outlets. The UDAN Yatri Cafe directly addresses this concern, providing an affordable alternative without compromising on quality or hygiene.
Hygiene and Quality Assurance
The UDAN Yatri Cafe is not just about low prices. The initiative also focuses on maintaining high standards of hygiene and food quality. Each outlet undergoes:
- Regular Quality Checks: Conducted by food safety officers to ensure compliance with FSSAI standards.
- Hygienic Food Preparation: Staff members are trained in hygienic food handling practices.
- Sourcing from Verified Vendors: Ingredients are procured from verified vendors to ensure freshness and safety.
The emphasis on hygiene and quality has been a key factor in the cafe’s popularity among travelers.
Passenger Reception: A Hit Among Travelers
The response to the UDAN Yatri Cafe has been overwhelmingly positive. In its first month of operation at Kolkata Airport, the cafe served approximately 27,000 passengers, averaging around 900 visitors daily. According to feedback collected:
- 90% of customers appreciated the affordability and quality.
- 85% of passengers felt that the initiative improved their overall travel experience.
- 70% stated that they would prefer the UDAN Yatri Cafe over other airport food outlets in the future.
These numbers reflect the growing demand for affordable dining options at airports, validating the initiative’s objective.
Expansion to Other Airports: Scaling Success
Encouraged by the success in Kolkata, the AAI expanded the UDAN Yatri Cafe initiative to Chennai International Airport. The Chennai outlet, strategically located in the pre-check area of the T1 domestic terminal, was inaugurated in February 2025. Plans are also underway to introduce the cafe at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, further extending affordable dining options to passengers across the country.
Upcoming Locations
- Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport: Launch expected by mid-2025.
- Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport: Under consideration.
- Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport: Proposed by the end of 2025.
This strategic expansion aims to standardize affordable dining options, ensuring a consistent and passenger-friendly experience nationwide.
Aligning with the UDAN Scheme: Democratizing Air Travel
The UDAN Yatri Cafe initiative aligns with the broader UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to make air travel accessible to the common citizen. By offering affordable food and beverages, the cafe enhances the overall travel experience, ensuring that passengers do not have to bear exorbitant costs for basic amenities.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu emphasized, “The UDAN Yatri Cafe is a step towards democratizing air travel. We want every Indian to experience the joy of flying without worrying about high costs, even for basic necessities like food and water.”
FAQs
1. What is the UDAN Yatri Cafe?
The UDAN Yatri Cafe is an initiative by the Airports Authority of India to provide affordable and hygienic food and beverage options to passengers at airports.
2. Where was the first UDAN Yatri Cafe established?
The first UDAN Yatri Cafe was inaugurated at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in December 2024.
3. What are the prices of items at the UDAN Yatri Cafe?
The cafe offers tea for ₹10, coffee for ₹20, samosas for ₹20, and a daily sweet for ₹20. Bottled water is also available for ₹10.
4. Are there plans to open UDAN Yatri Cafes at other airports?
Yes, following the success in Kolkata, the initiative has expanded to Chennai Airport, with plans to launch at Delhi Airport and other major airports across India.
5. How is food quality maintained at the UDAN Yatri Cafe?
All food items are prepared and served following strict hygiene standards, with regular quality checks conducted by food safety officers.
