Kolkata Airport’s UDAN Yatri Cafe Sets Record with 27,000 Travelers in First Month
Kolkata Airport's UDAN Yatri Cafe Sets Record with 27,000 Travelers in First Month
India’s first affordable food outlet at an airport has become a hit among travelers at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport. The UDAN Yatri Cafe, located in the departure area, has attracted an average daily footfall of 900 passengers since its launch on December 21, 2024, during the airport’s centenary celebrations.
Serving tea for just Rs 10 and snacks like samosas, coffee, and sweets for Rs 20, the cafe offers significantly cheaper options compared to other outlets in the terminal. A bottle of water is also available for Rs 10. Managed by a private company, the cafe has drawn around 27,000 travelers in its first month of operation, according to an Airports Authority of India (AAI) spokesperson.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said, “Since the day I took oath as Civil Aviation Minister, my mission has been to make air travel more affordable and accessible for every Indian. The UDAN Yatri Cafe at Kolkata Airport, India’s first affordable food outlet at an airport, is a significant step in that direction,” Naidu said in a post on X. “As it completes one month, I am deeply moved by the positive response from travellers. This initiative reflects our commitment to ease the journey for every passenger,” read the minister’s post on Monday. He added that the positive feedback from travelers reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing passenger experiences.
The idea for the cafe emerged following widespread complaints about high food prices at airport terminals. A recent survey by LocalCircles revealed that 60% of airline passengers found airport food excessively priced, often 100-200% higher than at railway stations or malls. Items like samosas or patties typically cost over Rs 200, while beverages can reach Rs 300.
The UDAN Yatri Cafe is expected to inspire similar outlets at other airports, addressing concerns about affordability and improving passenger satisfaction nationwide.
