Affordable Canteens at Airports: A Win for Commuters

Raghav Chadha, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP, has successfully addressed a pressing concern regarding high food prices at Indian airports. Travellers often faced exorbitant prices, such as a ₹250 cup of tea or ₹350 samosas. However, Chadha’s efforts have led to a breakthrough; affordable canteens will soon be available at airports throughout the country.

Efforts Bearing Fruit

Chadha took to Instagram to share the encouraging news, writing, “Good news! We’ve made our voice heard. Affordable canteens at airports SOON.” In an accompanying video, he elaborated on the initiative, emphasizing that air travellers can now expect to buy amenities such as tea for ₹10 and samosas for ₹20.

The first of these canteens has already been inaugurated at Kolkata airport.

Challenges Highlighted

During a discussion on the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak in the Rajya Sabha, Chadha illuminated multiple challenges faced by passengers. Besides rising ticket prices, issues like overcrowded airports and high baggage charges have been pervasive. He criticized the Union government for allegedly failing to render air travel affordable for the general public.

Public Reactions and Support

The reactions to Raghav Chadha’s announcement on Instagram were varied and engaging. Many users expressed joy, while others humorously commented on the prospect of GST on tea and samosas. Some notable reactions include:

• “I support you because you open a logical topic with the Indian Government.”
• “It would be a very big change! I wish every Member of Parliament actually brings up the actual issues in the parliament.”
• “Bohot important mudda for aam janta,” indicating how important this issue is for the commoners.
• “Emergency mein ticket bhi sasti milni chahiye jab kisi close relative ka death ho jata hai…” a suggestion for cheaper emergency travel options.
• “Nirmala Sitharaman, after seeing this, chini se banne wali chai pe 5% GST…,” jesting about potential tax implications.

This initiative by Raghav Chadha marks a significant step towards making air travel more accessible and affordable, heralding a new era for Indian airports.