As everyone knows, eating and drinking at the airport can be expensive. Every meal, from a simple samosa to an extravagant smoothie, has an exorbitant price tag that many people must consider before purchasing. However, did you know that the government has a reasonably priced option where you can obtain food for as little as Rs 20? Doesn't that sound impossible? To read the specifics, scroll down.
It is an effort to improve passenger amenities at airports all around the nation. Founded by the Indian government in March 2025, this network of cafes is well-known for its reasonably priced meals, which starts at Rs 20.
By providing high-quality food and drinks at discounted rates, the Udan Yatri Cafe hopes to make airport travel more affordable. The goal of inclusive and accessible air travel for travelers of all income levels is supported by this program.
The goal of this program is to make snacks available to passengers for as little as Rs 20. According to a PIB analysis, "The Udan Yatri Café seeks to offer high-quality food at reasonable costs, lowering the cost of airport dining for travelers." The opening of the café is a component of a larger plan to update airport facilities while guaranteeing that more people can still afford to travel by air.
Udan Yatri Cafe went viral thanks to an Instagram video posted by Piyush Tripathi, an IIT Bombay alumnus. He asks his wife in jest whether she wants a samosa at the airport in the video, and then he takes her to a cafe where they get Rs 20 samosas and Rs 10 tea. In their lighthearted conversation, she gives Raghav Chadha credit for the initiative and even refers to him as "handsome." "Expectation: Airport = expensive," the post caption stated. Actual cost: Rs 10 for chai and Rs 20 for samosas. The fact check was successful.
When Raghav Chadha brought attention to the exorbitant costs of necessities at airports during the Winter Session of Parliament in 2024, the idea gained traction. He urged the government to establish reasonably priced canteens for travelers and questioned why water bottles were being sold for Rs 100 and tea for Rs 200–250.
On social media, the viral video has received a lot of attention. "Haha, I hope you enjoyed the samosa!" said Raghav Chadha himself. His wife, actor Parineeti Chopra, also responded to the "handsome" comment by writing, "I totally agree."