BENGALURU, 11 MARCH

The State government, in collaboration with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), has inaugurated two Indira Canteens at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). This initiative aims to provide affordable and quality meals to low-income earners working at the airport, including cab drivers, passengers, and labourers.

In response to demands from labour groups, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the opening of 600 news Indira Canteens across the state, including Bengaluru. Located near Terminal 1's Parking area, the canteen boasts a spacious layout with a dedicated kitchen. The kitchen is set up at Rs 1.35 crore.

Chief health officer of BBMP Siraj Ahmed Madani told Salar News "We are thrilled to finally launch the Indira Canteen at KIA. This canteen has been a long-standing demand from cab drivers, labourers, and even frequent flyers. We understand that airport food can be expensive, and this canteen offers a convenient and budget-friendly option." The officials also said that the canteen can serve 2,000 customers every day. He said, land was one of the major issue which took time to set up the canteen at a prominent location.

Following the model of other Indira Canteens across the City, it will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner at subsidised rates. The menu will be similar to existing canteens, featuring a variety of South Indian dishes known for their taste and affordability. The breakfast menu includes Idli, Khara Bhat, Pongal, Puliyogare. The lunch and dinner menu includes White Rice, Sambar, Rice bhats and Curd Rice. Seating areas have been incorporated to enhance the dining experience.

While speaking at the inauguration, he said, “We are starting 188 new Indira canteens as per the demand of drivers. Of these, 40 have already been completed and the rest are being prepared. Breakfast will be available for Rs 5, lunch, dinner will be available for Rs 10.” He even criticized the previous government for shutting down some canteens and emphasised his administration's commitment to reopen them to serve the underprivileged.

Former All India Congress Committee vice-president Rahul Gandhi inaugurated the canteen Indira at Jayanagar in Bengaluru by having the first breakfast on 15 August, 2017 in Jayanagar.