The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport faces operational limits as a decades-old dispute over the nearby Bankra mosque resurfaces. Security concerns regarding access to the site have triggered a government ban, potentially affecting critical runway upgrades and future expansion plans for the airport.
The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata is currently facing significant operational bottlenecks due to the continued presence of the Bankra mosque near its secondary runway. This structure, which predates the airport's establishment as the Dum Dum aerodrome in 1924, sits approximately 165 metres from the runway edge. This proximity falls short of the required safety distance of 240 metres, creating a persistent challenge for aviation safety and infrastructure development.
Impact on Airport Operations
The physical location of the mosque, combined with an adjacent pond, has constrained the operational length of the secondary runway to 2,832 metres, significantly less than the 3,633-metre primary runway. These space constraints have prevented the installation of advanced Instrument Landing System (ILS) equipment. This technology is vital for maintaining flight schedules during low-visibility conditions like dense fog. Because the secondary runway cannot fully accommodate these systems, the airport's overall capacity to handle aircraft traffic during poor weather remains limited compared to larger metropolitan hubs.
Security and Access Restrictions
Recent regulatory actions have intensified the standoff. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) raised red flags over the security protocol that allowed devotees access to the site within a high-security zone. Previously, individuals were permitted entry for prayers after basic checks with Aadhaar cards, without rigorous biometric or background verification. Due to these security concerns, the West Bengal government has recently restricted access for devotees to the mosque, which can see a high volume of visitors during Friday prayers.
Historical Context and Development Goals
While previous airport expansions in the 1950s and 1960s resulted in the relocation of surrounding residential areas, the mosque remained in place. This has led to recurring discussions between central and state authorities regarding relocation, which have remained unresolved for years. Current discussions are framed around the dual requirements of modernizing aviation infrastructure and ensuring national security. While aviation and government officials highlight the need for expansion to keep pace with rising passenger and cargo demand, local religious authorities emphasize the historical significance of the site. Investors and stakeholders in the aviation and infrastructure sectors will be monitoring the situation, as the resolution of this land dispute is a primary factor in determining whether the airport can proceed with planned upgrades to its secondary runway and improve its overall operational efficiency.