Raghav Chadha Advocates for Udaan Yatri Cafes at All Airports
Synopsis
Raghav Chadha, AAP Rajya Sabha MP, champions the expansion of Udaan Yatri Cafes to enhance food affordability at Indian airports. He emphasizes the urgent need for accessible dining options for travelers, particularly after security checks.
Key Takeaways
Raghav Chadha advocates for affordable food at airports.
Udaan Yatri Cafes should be expanded to all airports.
Current availability is limited to 10-12 airports.
Proposed cafes should be post-security for better access.
Affordable airport food is essential for travelers.
New Delhi, March 9 (NationPress) Raghav Chadha, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has raised an important concern regarding the availability of affordable food options at airports. He has called upon the government to broaden the scope of the Udaan Yatri Cafe initiative to include all airports throughout the nation.
During his remarks in the Upper House, Chadha noted that air travelers have consistently voiced their frustrations over the exorbitant prices of food at airports. He acknowledged the government's effort to launch Udaan Yatri Cafes at select locations but emphasized the necessity for the program to be expanded and enhanced.
Currently, India boasts over 150 airports, yet Udaan Yatri Cafes are operational at only about 10 to 12 of them. Chadha urged the authorities to broaden this initiative, ensuring that travelers can find affordable food and drinks at every airport in the country.
The MP also pointed out the importance of having these cafes situated in the departure area post check-in and security checks, where passengers often wait the longest before boarding their flights. He suggested that travelers are more inclined to purchase snacks or beverages during this waiting period.
“At the moment, these cafes are only present in the pre-check-in area, prior to the security checks. They should ideally be placed inside the departure area after security, allowing easier access for passengers,” he stated.
Chadha further remarked that many locations suffer from limited service counters, leading to long queues, particularly during busy travel times. The restricted menu options and capacity also hinder passenger accessibility.
He urged the government to tackle these issues and establish Udaan Yatri Cafes at all airports, both large and small, particularly in areas following check-in and security.
“Affordable food at airports should not be regarded as a luxury but rather a fundamental necessity for travelers,” Chadha asserted, highlighting the need for more passenger-friendly and accessible air travel.
The Udaan Yatri Cafe initiative, introduced by the government in February 2026, aims to cater to travelers with budget-friendly snacks and drinks (tea/water for Rs 10; coffee/snacks for Rs 20) at Indian airports, addressing the concern of elevated food prices.
Point of View
The call for expanding Udaan Yatri Cafes highlights a critical need for accessible and affordable food options in airports. This initiative not only addresses passenger complaints but also aligns with a broader goal of enhancing the travel experience in India, making air travel more convenient and traveler-friendly.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Udaan Yatri Cafe initiative?
The Udaan Yatri Cafe initiative, launched in February 2026, aims to provide affordable snacks and beverages at Indian airports, addressing the issue of high food prices.
How many airports currently have Udaan Yatri Cafes?
Currently, Udaan Yatri Cafes are operational at around 10 to 12 airports in India.
Why does Raghav Chadha want cafes after security checks?
Chadha believes that placing cafes in the departure area post-security checks will allow passengers to access affordable food options during their waiting time.
What are the prices at Udaan Yatri Cafes?
At Udaan Yatri Cafes, tea or water costs Rs 10, while coffee and snacks are priced at Rs 20.
What are the proposed benefits of expanding Udaan Yatri Cafes?
Expanding Udaan Yatri Cafes would make affordable food accessible to all passengers at various airports, enhancing the overall travel experience.
