‘Never thought this possible at an airport’ – Viral video shows couple praising Raghav Chadha while they enjoy affordable samosa, chai at Pune terminal

Budget snacks and beverages at Indian airports have long been a sore point for travellers, who often enter terminals expecting eye‑watering prices for even a cup of tea. That narrative is now changing, thanks to a policy salvo by AAP MP Raghav Chadha that appears to be paying off at Pune International Airport. A viral video captured a couple’s delight at enjoying inexpensive samosas and tea at the newly introduced Udan Yatri Cafe, and their playful tribute to Chadha has resonated widely online.

The clip, shared by IIT Bombay alumnus Piyush Tripathi, shows his wife agreeing to stop for a samosa and chai while walking through the terminal. At the cafe, they pick up two cups of tea and samosas for just Rs 10 and Rs 20 respectively. When asked on camera whom they credited for the sudden price drop, the wife immediately said “Raghav Chadha.” The playful exchange quickly turned affectionate, with the husband then asking what she thought of Chadha’s looks, to which she replied, “Handsome.”




The caption on the post summed up their surprise neatly: “Expectation: airport = expensive. Reality: Rs 20 samosa + Rs 10 chai. Fact check passed.” The video has since struck a chord, blending humour, everyday relief, and public policy impact in one shareable moment.





The Udan Yatri Cafe is part of a government initiative designed to offer budget‑friendly food and drink options to airport passengers. The concept was first introduced at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and has since expanded to several other terminals, including Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Bhubaneswar, Itanagar and Vijayawada. Under the scheme, travellers can pick up essentials such as bottled water and tea for as little as Rs 10, and snacks such as samosas or patties for around Rs 20.




Chadha’s role in pushing the issue came during the 2024 Winter Session of Parliament, where he drew attention to the steep costs that passengers often face. He cited examples of water bottles priced at Rs 100 and tea costing Rs 200‑250, questioning why affordable canteens could not be established at airports. He also criticised overcrowding, long queues and poor organisation at some terminals, likening the experience to that of a bus stand.

The Pune video, and the widespread reactions it sparked, show that consumers are not just registering the change on paper, but also enjoying its benefits in real time. On social media, users joined the conversation with praise for the initiative. One commented that the step was “much needed for the middle class,” while another wrote, “Huge respect for this man. We still have politicians who care for the public.”



Actor Parineeti Chopra, who is married to Chadha, also joined the online discussion, chiming in with a light‑hearted “I totally agree” in response to the couple’s playful praise. Other commenters struck a more serious note, describing the move as a welcome sign that everyday concerns, such as affordable food at transit hubs, are being taken seriously.




Whether viewed through the lens of grassroots politics, social media culture, or everyday travel realities, the Pune airport moment has become a talking point. It reflects how small policy changes that touch daily life can find traction online and across public discourse, turning a simple cup of tea and a samosa into a symbol of accessibility and responsive governance.