Passengers at RGIA unaware of affordable Udan Yatri Cafe

Based on the feedback, passengers have suggested the following: 

■ Opening more Udan Yatri Cafe outlets near boarding gates and high footfall areas. 

■ Installing clear signboards and digital displays across the terminal, including entry points and the ground floor. 

■ Increasing announcements and awareness campaigns so that budget travellers, workers, students, and senior citizens can benefit from this facility. 

Udan Yatri cafe services

■ Very low cost basic drinks- Tea priced around Rs 10 and bottled water also Rs 10, which is far cheaper than typical airport outlets

■ Affordable coffee – Coffee is available at roughly Rs 20, making it an attractive option before flights. Tea/Water Bottle: Rs 10, Samosa/Kachori/Sweet of the day: Rs 20.

■ Budget snacks- Simple snack items like samosas are offered at around Rs 20.

HEMA SINGULURI | Hyderabad 

Jo diktha hai, who bhiktha hai so goes the saying. Meaning: What is seen, gets sold or what’s visible is what sells. The Udan Yatri Café opened at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) on January 10 this year under the government-led initiative under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) programme, meant to make air travel more inclusive, literally letting common people eat inexpensively inside airports. However, due to the lack of publicity, the average passenger is unaware of the facility and is spending huge amounts for snacks, coffee and tea.

The cafe is part of a national rollout designed to offer "citizen-first" services, with other locations including Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai.

According to a latest survey by Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU), only 26% of passengers were aware of the facility. The survey covered 2,800 passengers to assess awareness and accessibility of this budget-friendly initiative introduced under the UDAN scheme. 

Among the passengers who were aware of the facility, the highest level of awareness (45%) came through drivers and informal sources. About 20% learned about it from airport staff, 15% through social media, and only 10% through signboards. Announcements accounted for just 5% of awareness. 

The findings highlight the important role played by app-based and transport workers in sharing information with passengers. However, official channels such as signage, announcements, and staff communication remain inadequate. “Improving awareness, visibility, and accessibility of the Udan Yatri Cafe will help more passengers benefit from this affordable service and enhance the overall travel experience at Hyderabad Airport,” said Shaik Salauddin, Founder President of TGPWU. 

 Passengers shared that the current Udan Yatri Cafe outlet is located near the check-in hall, whereas most travelers spend more waiting time near the boarding gates. Many travelers, as well as airport staff, remain unaware of the facility due to limited visibility. Located at the International Departures Check-in Hall (Gate 1), it offers tea/water at Rs 10 and coffee/snacks for Rs 20 to make airport dining affordable.