The recent launch of the Udaan Yatri Café at the Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Pune airports marks a significant step towards providing budget-friendly food and beverage options for air travelers in India. In a landscape where airport amenities often come with a hefty price tag, this initiative stands out by offering essential items like tea, coffee, vada pav, samosa, and a sweet for a highly affordable ₹10 to ₹20.
Here’s a quick summary of the prices:
- Tea: ₹10
- Vada Pav: ₹20
- Coffee: ₹20
- Samosa: ₹20
- Sweet: ₹20
For the common person, especially those traveling on a budget or frequently commuting via air, this comes as a breath of fresh air. The accessibility of reasonably priced refreshments can make the overall travel experience more comfortable and less financially straining. Imagine a traveler rushing to catch a flight, now able to grab a quick and inexpensive bite or a cup of tea without having to worry about exorbitant airport prices.
This move could also have a positive ripple effect. By demonstrating the viability of affordable airport cafes, Udaan Yatri Café might encourage other food and beverage operators within airport premises to reconsider their pricing strategies, potentially leading to a more competitive and consumer-friendly environment in the long run.
The choice of Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Pune as the initial locations suggests a strategic rollout, possibly targeting airports with a high volume of domestic travelers. If successful, this model could be expanded to other airports across the country, further benefiting a wider range of passengers.
Airports in India, like many places globally, typically have significantly higher food prices compared to what you would find outside the airport premises. This is due to various factors, including higher rents for commercial spaces within airports, security regulations, and the captive audience of travellers.
Typical Airport Food Prices in India (Estimates):
Tea/Coffee: ₹100 – ₹300 or more. You might find a basic “hot water and tea bag” costing upwards of ₹135 in some airport cafes. Even a regular coffee can easily cross ₹200.
Bottled Water: ₹50 – ₹100 or more for a standard bottle.
Snacks (Samosa, Vada Pav, Sandwich): ₹150 – ₹300 or more per piece. A simple samosa that might cost ₹20-₹30 outside could be priced at ₹200 or higher at the airport.
Meals (Thali, Dosa, Burger): ₹300 – ₹600 or significantly more. A basic thali could start at ₹500.
Even fast-food items tend to be priced 20-50% higher than their regular outlet prices.
The prices at Udaan Yatri Café are drastically lower compared to the typical airport food and beverage offerings. For instance, a cup of tea at ₹10 is just a fraction of the ₹100-₹300 you might otherwise pay. Similarly, snacks like samosa and vada pav at ₹20 are significantly more affordable than the ₹150-₹300 price range common at airports.
This initiative aligns with the goal of making air travel more inclusive and comfortable for all passengers, especially those traveling on low-cost carriers who are particularly price-sensitive. The success of the Udaan Yatri Café in the initial airports highlights the significant demand for such affordable options.
Also Read | Double Dairy Blow: Amul follows Mother Dairy with milk price hike
OPERATION SINDOOR: India hits 9 terrorist sites in Pakistan, PoK
Is this the world’s luckiest phone? iPhone survives 14,000-feet drop without a scratch
How digital token for Baba Kedarnath’s darshan will enhance your darshan experience