Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu inaugurated the UDAN Yatri Cafe at Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi on Thursday, marking another step in the government’s push to make airport refreshments more affordable for air travellers. The new facility is part of the expanding network of UDAN Yatri Cafes across India under the UDAN scheme.
The minister also experienced the cafe’s budget-friendly offerings first-hand, reportedly enjoying a cup of tea priced at just Rs 10. Following the inauguration, he shared images on social media platform X, highlighting the initiative and noting that India now has 25 UDAN Yatri Cafes operating at various airports. He described the development as a move towards making airport services more passenger-friendly and accessible.
The UDAN Yatri Cafe concept is designed to address a long-standing concern among air travellers — the high cost of food and beverages at airports. By offering basic refreshments at significantly reduced prices, the initiative aims to ensure that passengers do not feel compelled to pay premium rates for everyday items such as tea, coffee, and snacks while travelling.
Also Read: LaGuardia Airport Runway Shut After Sinkhole Discovery Causes Major Disruptions
The initiative is part of the broader UDAN scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), launched to improve regional air connectivity and make air travel more inclusive for the general public. Over time, the scheme has expanded beyond connectivity to include passenger-friendly services like these cafes, which are now gradually being introduced across major and regional airports in India.
The first UDAN Yatri Cafe was inaugurated on December 19, 2024, at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. Since then, the model has been replicated at multiple airports, offering a simple menu that typically includes water, tea, coffee, and snacks such as samosas at nominal prices. With the addition of the Ranchi outlet, the government continues to scale up the initiative, aiming to enhance affordability and convenience for millions of flyers across the country.
Also Read: Mumbai Airport Runways To Remain Closed From 11 AM To 5 PM Today