Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport has introduced a unique food outlet called the UDAN Yatri Cafe. It holds the distinction of being India’s first affordable food outlet at an airport. Since its opening, it has quickly gained popularity among travellers, attracting around 900 visitors daily in its first month.
The UDAN Yatri Cafe stands out because of its very low prices on food and drinks, something rare at airports where prices are usually high. For example, passengers can enjoy a cup of tea for just ₹10, a price much lower than what other airport outlets charge.
Other items like a bottle of water are also priced at ₹10, while coffee, sweetmeats, and samosas are available for just ₹20 each. These affordable rates have made the cafe a favourite among travellers passing through the airport.
Located in the departure area of the NSCBI Airport, the cafe has steadily grown in popularity. In its first month, it served nearly 27,000 passengers, showing how well passengers have welcomed the idea of affordable food at the airport.
The UDAN Yatri Cafe was inaugurated on December 21, 2024, during the 100th anniversary celebration of Kolkata Airport. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, who officially opened the cafe, praised the initiative. Since taking office, the minister has aimed to make air travel more affordable and accessible for all Indians. He said that the cafe is a significant step toward achieving this goal.
The cafe is run by a private company in partnership with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. According to sources at NSCBI Airport, there are plans to introduce similar affordable food outlets at other airports across the country.
This initiative comes after many passengers complained about the high prices of food in airport terminals. The government responded by launching this affordable option. The success of UDAN Yatri Cafe could lead to more airports offering low-cost food options for travellers in the near future.
Read more: Save on GST for Air Travel: Key Dates and Revised GST Rates from September 22, 2025.
The UDAN Yatri Cafe at Kolkata Airport offers a refreshing change for air travellers looking for good, affordable food. With thousands of daily visitors and strong government support, this affordable food outlet is likely to inspire similar projects at airports nationwide. This move not only makes travelling more comfortable but also helps passengers save money, making air travel more budget-friendly for many people.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Published on: Sep 10, 2025, 10:38 AM IST
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