New Delhi, Dec 22 (NationPress) In a significant development for travelers, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has revealed plans for the introduction of ‘Udaan Yatri Café’, a new dining facility at airports aimed at offering essential items like food and water at affordable and reasonable prices. This innovative initiative will commence at Kolkata airport as a pilot project, and if successful, it will be expanded to other airports nationwide, under the management of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
This announcement comes shortly after AAP MP Raghav Chadha raised concerns in Parliament regarding the excessive prices of food and beverages at airports, calling for corrective measures to make air travel more accessible.
With the inaugural ‘Udaan Yatri Café’ located at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, passengers will have the opportunity to purchase essential items such as water bottles, tea, coffee, and snacks at fair prices.
The Rajya Sabha MP has expressed his support for this initiative and hopes it will be extended to other airports throughout the country.
“At last, the government has listened to the concerns of the general public. Although it starts with Kolkata Airport, I trust it will be made available at all airports across the nation. This will prevent air travelers from being charged Rs 100-250 for basic items like water, tea, or coffee,” said Chadha.
He highlighted the necessity of providing affordable amenities at airports for the convenience of the average traveler.
During the Winter session of Parliament, Raghav Chadha brought to light the problem of inflated prices for snacks and beverages at airports and its negative effects on the public.
In his address, the RS MP discussed the struggles faced by passengers who find themselves paying exorbitant prices for food and drinks at airports.
“A water bottle is priced at Rs 100, and tea ranges from Rs 200-250. Why can’t the government set up affordable canteens at airports?” he questioned. He also criticized the management of airports, comparing them to bus stations due to long lines, overcrowding, and disorder.
His concerns about high prices at airports resonated strongly on social media, with many praising him as a ‘voice for the common man’.
Additionally, he raised alarms about the sharp increase in airfares recently, which stands in stark contrast to the government’s promise of making air travel accessible to all.
“The government assured that even those in slippers could fly, yet now even those in Bata shoes find air travel unaffordable,” he remarked in the House.
“A ticket to the Maldives costs Rs 17,000, while a ticket to Lakshadweep, which the government is promoting as a tourist hotspot, costs Rs 25,000,” he pointed out.
