New Delhi, March 9: Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha has demanded that the government’s UDAN Passenger Cafe scheme be extended to all airports in India, specifically targeting the post-security departure zones. Speaking in Parliament on Monday, Chadha asserted that the current placement of these budget-friendly outlets often fails to serve passengers when they need them most.
The MP stated that the high cost of airport dining remains a major grievance for travelers. He noted that while the government’s initiative to provide tea and snacks at “street prices” is welcome, the presence of these cafes at only 10 to 12 airports leaves the majority of travelers without options.
“Cheap food should be available where passengers have to wait the most,” Chadha maintained, referring to the departure holding areas where flyers are confined after security screening. He declared that placing the cafes outside the security perimeter reduces their practical benefit to those already inside the terminal.
Chadha further declared that the current infrastructure of the cafes is struggling with high demand. He affirmed that limited counters and low capacity lead to significant wait times, which can be a deterrent for passengers with tight boarding schedules.
“Strengthening and expanding the UDAN Passenger Cafe initiative will bring about a major improvement in passenger convenience,” Chadha stated. He urged the Ministry of Civil Aviation to prioritize the installation of these stalls in boarding zones across 150+ airports to make air travel “truly affordable” for common citizens.
The lawmaker affirmed that making basic necessities like water and snacks affordable should not be viewed as a luxury but as a standard convenience for the growing number of middle-class air travelers in India.
