Picture credits: to respective owner
Kolkata: The UDAN Yatri Cafe at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport has quickly become a favorite among travelers, serving around 900 passengers daily since its launch in December 2024. The cafe, hailed as India’s first affordable airport dining option, offers budget-friendly prices, addressing long standing complaints about overpriced food at airports.
The Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, inaugurated the cafe during the airport’s centenary celebrations on December 21, 2024. In its first month, the cafe recorded an impressive footfall of over 27,000 passengers.
Budget-Friendly Menu
Located in the departure area of the airport, the cafe serves:
Tea: ₹10
Bottled water: ₹10
Coffee: ₹20
Samosa: ₹20
Sweetmeat of the day: ₹20
These prices are significantly lower than those at other airport eateries, making the cafe a hit among travelers.
Minister’s Vision
Minister Kinjarapu shared his thoughts on the initiative, stating:
“Since assuming office as Civil Aviation Minister, I have aimed to make air travel more affordable and accessible for every Indian. The UDAN Yatri Cafe is a significant step towards that goal” he said in a post on X.
He also expressed satisfaction with the cafe’s reception, describing it as a milestone in improving the travel experience.
Plans for Expansion
Encouraged by the success of the Kolkata cafe, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is considering introducing similar low-cost food outlets at other airports, PTI reported. The initiative aligns with the government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, which aims to make air travel affordable for the masses.
A Positive Response
Travelers have praised the initiative, with many highlighting the affordability and quality of food. The cafe’s success demonstrates the demand for cost-effective dining options in airports and sets a precedent for similar projects nationwide.
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