New Delhi, 27 February (HS): Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu today inaugurated the Udaan Yatri Cafe at Chennai Airport, the second such facility under this unprecedented initiative. The first Udaan Yatri Cafe was inaugurated on 19 December 2024 at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the airport. Strategically located in the pre-check area of ​​​​the T-1 domestic terminal at Chennai Airport, this cafe will provide refreshments to all connected passengers at an affordable rate.

Addressing reporters on the occasion, Naidu said, “Udaan Yatri Cafe is a testimony to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of inclusive flying, making air travel more convenient, accessible and affordable for all. After its successful launch at Kolkata Airport, there has been a strong demand from passengers to introduce this facility at other airports as well. After the eastern gateway of Kolkata, we are proud to bring Udaan Yatri Café to the southern gateway, Chennai Airport, one of the oldest and now the fifth busiest airport in the country, handling over 22 million passengers annually. We are committed to enhancing passenger convenience here and with Digi Yatra and Trusted Traveler Programme e-gates, we are also providing a seamless, end-to-end digital travel experience.

Naidu also shared that an 86,135 sq m expansion of Terminal 2 is underway to enhance international operations. Additionally, renovation of Terminals 1 and 4 is underway with an investment of over ₹75 crore while a comprehensive traffic flow management system is being implemented at a cost of ₹19 crore to decongest the city. Beyond infrastructure, Chennai International Airport is dedicated to passenger convenience. Free buggy services for senior citizens and pregnant women, childcare rooms, medical facilities and modern lounges ensure that every effort is made to provide a comfortable travel experience. The minister informed that Chennai Airport operates completely on green energy and has a 1.5 MW solar power plant as part of its commitment to the environment.

Tamil Nadu Industry Minister Dr TRB Raja, senior officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, AAI and Chennai Airport also attended the event, which marked another milestone in the ministry's mission to enhance passenger experience and connectivity.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar