Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced plans to introduce UDAN Yatri Cafés at two more airports within the next month, furthering the government’s vision of inclusive and affordable air travel.
Making Air Travel Accessible
Speaking at a press conference, the minister emphasized that the UDAN Yatri Café aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to making air travel more accessible and convenient for all citizens. The café provides hygienic refreshments at nominal prices, offering water bottles for ₹10, tea for ₹10, coffee for ₹20, samosas for ₹20, and local sweets for ₹20.
Successful Implementation in Kolkata and Chennai
The first UDAN Yatri Café, launched at Kolkata Airport in December last year, witnessed record sales. Encouraged by its success, a second facility was recently inaugurated at Chennai Airport. Plans are now in place to expand the initiative nationwide in a phased manner, with Hyderabad Airport set to receive the facility soon.
Aviation Sector Growth Under PM Modi
Highlighting the rapid growth in India’s aviation sector, the minister noted that the number of airports has nearly doubled in the past decade, increasing from 79 to 150. He also mentioned the rising demand from smaller towns for new airport infrastructure.
Seaplane Operations to Begin in April
Discussing seaplane connectivity, Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that trials have been completed successfully. Operations are set to commence in April, with Telangana’s first seaplane service launching on the Hyderabad-Srisailam route.
