Image Source : NDTV
In a landmark move to make air travel more inclusive and passenger-friendly, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has inaugurated the Udaan Yatri Café at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar. The café, launched on August 25, 2025, offers essential food and beverage items at highly subsidized rates, addressing long-standing complaints about overpriced refreshments at airport terminals. Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu led the inauguration, accompanied by Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol and senior officials.
Key Highlights From The Launch
- Tea and bottled water priced at Rs 10 each
- Coffee, samosas, and sweets available for Rs 20
- Bhubaneswar becomes the fifth city to host the café after Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Pune
- The initiative is part of the broader UDAN scheme aimed at democratizing air travel
Purpose And Policy Context
- The Udaan Yatri Café is aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to make air travel accessible and comfortable for all segments of society
- The café addresses a persistent concern among passengers regarding the high cost of food and beverages at airports
- It reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive infrastructure and equitable service delivery under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme
- Plans are underway to expand the café model to 10–15 major airports across India within the next year
Passenger Experience And Social Impact
- The café offers a clean, budget-friendly alternative to premium outlets, making it especially beneficial for students, families, and frequent flyers
- Operators confirmed that the pricing structure has been deliberately kept low to ensure affordability without compromising quality
- The initiative also supports employment generation, with some locations expected to hire specially-abled individuals for service roles
- Passengers at Bhubaneswar airport welcomed the move, calling it a long-overdue reform in airport hospitality
Menu And Service Details
- Tea and packaged water are priced at Rs 10
- Coffee, samosas, and a rotating sweet of the day are available for Rs 20
- The café maintains hygiene standards and quick service to cater to time-sensitive travelers
- Seating arrangements and signage are designed to be accessible and welcoming
Infrastructure And Expansion Plans
- The café is located within the terminal premises, ensuring easy access for both arrivals and departures
- Bhubaneswar airport is also undergoing broader upgrades, including plans for a new Terminal-3 to accommodate rising passenger traffic
- The Civil Aviation Ministry has confirmed site clearance for the proposed Puri airport, with construction to be managed by the state government
- If land is made available, 20 additional airstrips across Odisha could be developed into functional airports, further enhancing regional connectivity
Conclusion
The opening of the Udaan Yatri Café at Bhubaneswar Airport marks a significant step toward making air travel more humane and affordable. By offering essential refreshments at minimal rates, the initiative not only improves passenger experience but also reinforces the government’s commitment to inclusive growth. As more airports prepare to adopt this model, travelers across India can look forward to a more equitable and comfortable journey.
Sources: OrissaPOST, OdishaBytes, OdishaTV, OneIndia.
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