Chennai, Feb 27
Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurated the UDAN Yatri Cafe at Chennai Airport, making it the second airport in India to host this budget-friendly cafe after Kolkata.
The first UDAN Yatri Cafe was launched on December 19, 2024, at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and received a positive response from passengers due to its affordable and hygienic food options. Following its success, the initiative is being expanded to more airports.
Pocket-Friendly Menu at Chennai Airport
Located in the pre-check area of Terminal 1, the cafe will provide affordable refreshments to all passengers. The price list includes water bottles & tea is ₹10; coffee, samosas, & sweet of the day is ₹20.
Minister’s Statement
Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized the government’s commitment to making air travel accessible and affordable. He stated:
“The UDAN Yatri Cafe is a testament to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of inclusive flying. After the success of the Kolkata Cafe, travelers have demanded similar facilities at other airports. Chennai Airport, as the southern gateway of India and the fifth busiest airport handling over 22 million passengers annually, is the perfect location for this expansion.”
He also highlighted other developments at Chennai Airport, including:
- Expansion of Terminal 2 (86,135 sq.m.) to improve international operations.
- Renovation of Terminals 1 & 4 with a ₹75 crore investment.
- ₹19 crore traffic flow management system to reduce congestion.
- Green initiatives: The airport runs on 100% green energy and has a 1.5 MW solar power plant.
- Passenger services: Free buggy rides for seniors & pregnant women, childcare rooms, medical facilities, and modern lounges.
UDAN Scheme: Making Air Travel Affordable
The UDAN Yatri Cafe aligns with the UDAN scheme (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), which aims to make air travel affordable and enhance airport infrastructure. The event was attended by Tamil Nadu’s Industries Minister Dr. T R B Rajaa, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, AAI, and Chennai Airport.
With this initiative, the Ministry of Civil Aviation continues its efforts to improve passenger experience and airport connectivity across India.
(Source: PIB)
