Kolkata: In a move to address the issue of overpriced food and beverages at airports, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is set to introduce the ‘Udaan Yatri Cafe’, offering passengers budget-friendly refreshment options. Announcing the initiative on December 13, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu revealed that the first pilot project will be launched at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, marking its centenary year and the 8th anniversary of the UDAN scheme.
Speaking at an event held at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan in Delhi, Naidu also unveiled the official logo for Kolkata Airport's centenary celebrations. “We are committed to making air travel more affordable and inclusive for passengers. The ‘Udaan Yatri Cafe’ is a step forward in ensuring that passengers, especially those flying under the UDAN scheme, have access to reasonably priced and quality refreshments,” Naidu said.
The Udaan Yatri Cafe kiosks will initially be located in the departure area of Kolkata Airport. Passengers can look forward to a curated menu of essential refreshments, including tea, coffee, snacks, and water, all priced affordably. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the travel experience without burdening passengers with high costs often associated with airport dining.
Officials confirmed that if the pilot project succeeds, the initiative will be extended to all 125 airports managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, a three-month-long celebration will begin on December 21. The celebrations will include the release of a special stamp and coin to honor the milestone.
“This celebration is not just about the airport; it’s about involving the people of Kolkata and Bengal in this historic moment,” Naidu said. He added that the Prime Minister has emphasized showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage through airport architecture, highlighting the transformative growth of the aviation sector over the past decade.
The Minister also took the opportunity to highlight the exponential growth of India’s civil aviation sector. “We are now the third-largest domestic aviation hub in the world, and we aim to break barriers to become the number one domestic hub,” Naidu stated.
The aviation sector has become a key driver of India’s economic growth, contributing to job creation and infrastructure development. Initiatives like the UDAN scheme, which focuses on regional air connectivity, and passenger-friendly measures like the Udaan Yatri Cafe, are pivotal in making air travel accessible to all.
The ministry’s goal is clear: to create a more inclusive, affordable, and world-class aviation ecosystem that caters to the diverse needs of passengers while promoting India’s cultural and economic aspirations.
With the upcoming Udaan Yatri Cafe and Kolkata Airport's centenary celebrations, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is ushering in a new era of accessibility and affordability in Indian aviation.
BI Bureau
