Siddaramaiah Introduces Budget-Friendly Indira Canteen At Bengaluru Airport: Rs 5 Breakfast, Rs 10 Lunch

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presided over the inauguration of an Indira Canteen at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport, marking the commencement of a broader initiative to establish 600 such canteens across Karnataka, including in the state capital, on Monday.

Managed by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the newly opened canteen anticipates serving approximately 2,000 customers, with a primary focus on airport cab drivers and bus drivers of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation.

Siddaramaiah Introduces Budget-Friendly Indira Canteen at Bengaluru Airport

The canteen, along with its kitchen facilities, was constructed at a total cost of Rs 1.35 crore, reflecting the commitment to providing affordable meals to the community. A BBMP official underscored the expectation that passengers would also avail themselves of the canteen's services, citing the exorbitant prices of food within the airport premises.

With breakfast prices often exceeding Rs 200, the affordability of meals at the Indira Canteen is likely to attract travellers seeking budget-friendly options. Following the unveiling ceremony, Siddaramaiah outlined plans for the establishment of an additional 188 Indira Canteens in Bengaluru, with two specifically catering to the needs of taxis and other drivers.

Emphasizing the importance of affordability, Siddaramaiah reiterated the canteens' commitment to providing breakfast at Rs 5 and lunch/dinner at Rs 10, making nutritious meals accessible to all segments of society. Moreover, plans are underway to extend the reach of Indira Canteens to every ward in Bengaluru and beyond, addressing a previous lack of such facilities.

The decision to set up an Indira Canteen at the airport stemmed from a demand presented by the Federation of cab and Autorickshaw Drivers' Associations to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy. Acknowledging the challenges faced by drivers commuting between the airport and the city, as well as the high costs associated with dining at airport restaurants, the initiative aims to provide much-needed relief to these essential service providers.