NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha welcomed the launch of the second franchise of ‘Udaan Yatri Cafe‘ at Chennai Airport, calling it a commendable initiative. He also reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for public interest issues.
To address the issue of overpriced food and beverages at airports, the ministry of civil aviation has taken an initiative to start the ‘Udaan Yatri Cafe’ for passengers. One such cafe was opened at the Kolkata airport earlier and now it has opened its second franchise at Chennai airport.
With a post on X, Raghav Chadha thanked the government for accepting his demand for affordable food and drinks at airports.
“A small spark can light up the darkest skies… First Kolkata, now Chennai! Glad to see affordable food canteens being set up at Airports. Grateful to everyone who supported my demand for affordable food and drinks at airports. Congratulations to each one of you – every drop together makes the ocean rise. I shall continue to raise issues of public interest. Keep sending me your suggestions…” Raghav Chadha said in a post on X.
During the winter session of Parliament, the AAP MP had raised the issue of overpriced food and beverages at airports during discussions. He had also highlighted this issue, criticising the exorbitant prices of water, tea and snacks at airports.
“A water bottle costs Rs 100, and tea is priced at Rs 200-250. Can’t the government establish affordable canteens at airports?” he had questioned.Chadha also criticized the poor management of airports, which he likened to bus stands due to long queues, overcrowding, and disorganisation.
While discussing the Indian Aviation Bill 2024, Chadha had said, “The government promised that people in slippers would fly, but now even those wearing Bata shoes can’t afford air travel.” He noted a sharp rise in airfares over the past year, burdening the common people. For instance, Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Patna routes now cost Rs 10,000 to Rs 14,500. Comparing fares, he said, “A ticket to Maldives costs Rs 17,000, but a ticket to Lakshadweep, which the government is promoting as a tourist destination, costs Rs 25,000.”
