The Narendra Modi 3.0 government is planning an Air Passenger Cafe initiative, aimed at providing affordable refreshments at airports while creating employment opportunities in the country. Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu has said that a pilot project in this regard will be launched at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, West Bengal, on December 21. Zee Business had reported that such a scheme was on the anvil. 

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After launching the pilot project in Kolkata, the 'Udaan Yatri Cafe' (Air Passenger Cafe) scheme will be expanded to other parts of the country. 

Naidu also said that the government is working towards making the air passenger experience more cost-effective and inclusive. 

Under the initiative, Air Passenger Cafe kiosks will provide refreshments such as snacks, tea, coffee and water at affordable rates at airports. 

Initially, the scheme will be available at airports operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and will later be taken to other airports in the country, according to the minister. 

The kiosks are also set to create employment opportunities at airports. 

Kiosk rights will only be given to physically handicapped women and men, said the minister. 

Last month, the domestic aviation sector achieved a historic milestone with 5,05,412 domestic passengers departing across the country in a day, marking the first time the domestic passenger count surpassed the five lakh mark in a single day. Over 3,100 aircraft took off that day, carrying the passengers, according to an official statement. 

The country's air passenger traffic has been growing gradually since the launch of the 'Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik' (UDAN) regional connectivity scheme, launched by PM Narendra Modi in October 21.

Civil Aviation Minister Naidu said that the number reflects better accessibility to air travel in the country.

The Ministry said that the milestone serves as a testament to the resilience and potential of the country’s aviation industry, further cementing its position as a key driver of the nation's economic progress.