New Delhi: In a major relief for fliers and air passengers, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced the launch of “Udaan Yatri Cafe,” an eatery outlet at the airport that provides essentials like food and water at affordable rates. The one-of-its-kind initiative is being launched at Kolkata airport on a pilot basis. If it succeeds, it will be replicated at other national airports managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

Interestingly, this move follows AAP MP Raghav Chadha’s flagging the issue of overpriced food and beverages at airports in the Parliament and seeking ‘corrective steps’ for making air travel affordable.

With the launch of the first “Udaan Yatri Cafe” at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, air passengers can access essential items like water bottles, tea, coffee, and snacks at reasonable prices.

The Rajya Sabha MP has welcomed the move and expressed hope that such a facility will be extended to other airports in the country.

“Finally, the government has heard the voice of the common man. While the initiative begins with Kolkata Airport, I hope it is extended to all airports nationwide. This will ensure that air travellers don’t have to pay Rs 100-250 for basic items like water, tea or coffee,” Chadha said.

He emphasised that affordable amenities at airports are crucial for the convenience of the general public.

During the Winter Session of Parliament, Raghav Chadha raised the issue and brought to the Members’ attention the exorbitant prices of water, tea, and snacks at airports and their adverse impact on the common man.

In his speech, the RS MP highlighted the plight of passengers and explained how they were forced to pay inflated prices for food and beverages at airports.

“A water bottle costs Rs 100, and tea is priced at Rs 200-250. Can’t the government establish affordable canteens at airports?” he had questioned. He also criticised the poor management of airports, which he likened to bus stands due to long queues, overcrowding and disorganisation.

His concerns about exorbitant prices at airports also found strong resonance and support on social media, with many hailing it as a ‘voice for the common man’.

He also raised concerns over the sharp rise in airfares in recent times and said this was in stark contrast with the government’s own pledge of making ‘air travel affordable for slipper-wearing citizens’.

“The government promised that people in slippers would fly, but now even those wearing Bata shoes can’t afford air travel,” he told the House.

“A ticket to Maldives costs Rs 17,000, but a ticket to Lakshadweep, which the government is promoting as a tourist destination, costs Rs 25,000,” he pointed out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

–IANS