NewKerala.com

AAP's Raghav Chadha Demands Udaan Yatri Cafes at All Airports Post-Security

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has urged the government to expand the affordable Udaan Yatri Cafe initiative to all airports across India. He highlighted that the cafes are currently only at 10-12 of over 150 airports and are located in pre-security areas. Chadha stressed the need to place them in departure areas after security checks where passengers wait longest. He argued this would make air travel more passenger-friendly by providing basic, budget-friendly food and beverage options.

Key Points: Raghav Chadha Urges Expansion of Udaan Yatri Cafes to All Airports

  • Calls for nationwide expansion
  • Cafes should be post-security
  • Addresses high food costs
  • Highlights current limited availability
2 min read

Expand Udaan Yatri Cafes to all airports after security check: Raghav Chadha

AAP MP Raghav Chadha pushes for affordable food at all Indian airports, calling for Udaan Yatri Cafes post-security checks to aid travellers.

"Affordable food at airports should not be a luxury. It is a basic convenience for travellers. - Raghav Chadha"

New Delhi, March 9

Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Monday raised the issue of affordable food at airports and urged the government to expand the Udaan Yatri Cafe initiative across all airports in the country.

Making an intervention in the Upper House, Chadha said air travellers have long complained about the high cost of food at airports and noted that he had earlier raised the matter in Parliament as well. He, however, appreciated the government's initiative to start Udaan Yatri Cafes at select airports but stressed that the scheme needs wider implementation and improvements.

Chadha pointed out that India currently has more than 150 airports, but Udaan Yatri Cafes are available at only around 10 to 12 airports. He urged the government to expand the initiative so that affordable food and beverages are accessible to passengers at every airport across the country.

The MP also highlighted the need to place these cafes in the departure area after check-in and security checks, where passengers spend the longest time waiting to board their flights. According to him, travellers are more likely to buy tea or snacks during this waiting period before boarding.

"At present, these cafes are located only in the pre-check-in area, before the security check. Ideally, they should be located inside the departure area after security so that passengers can easily access them," he said.

Chadha further noted that due to limited counters at many locations, long queues often form, especially during peak travel hours. Limited menu options and capacity constraints also restrict accessibility for passengers.

Urging the government to address these concerns, the MP requested that Udaan Yatri Cafes be established at all small and large airports, particularly in the areas after check-in and security.

"Affordable food at airports should not be a luxury. It is a basic convenience for travellers," Chadha said, emphasising the need to make air travel more passenger-friendly and accessible.

Udaan Yatri Cafe is a government-led initiative launched in February 2026 to provide budget-friendly snacks and beverages (tea/water Rs10, coffee/snacks Rs 20) to passengers at Indian airports, addressing high food prices

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good point by Chadha, but implementation is key. Even at the 10 airports where these cafes exist, the queues are insane and the menu is just biscuits and tea. The government needs to ensure quality and capacity before just expanding the number. Otherwise it's just another half-baked scheme.
A
Aman W
Absolutely correct. Why should affordable food be only before security? Most of us reach early, clear security, and then have 1-2 hours to kill. That's when we need a chai or a samosa, not before. Hope the authorities listen and act fast.
S
Sarah B
As a frequent traveller to India for work, I've noticed this issue. Airport food prices are comparable to or higher than Western airports, but the average Indian passenger's spending power is different. This is a very sensible, pro-people suggestion that would improve the travel experience immensely.
V
Vikram M
Tea for ₹10 after security? Yes please! This is what development should feel like - small comforts that don't burn a hole in your pocket. Our airports are world-class now, but the cost of basic amenities inside is not. Kudos for raising this in Parliament.
K
Kriti O
I appreciate the sentiment, but let's be realistic. The existing cafes have major operational issues. They should first fix the supply and menu at current locations, ensure they are clean and well-staffed, *then* talk about expansion. Otherwise, it's just a photo-op initiative.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50