In a major step toward modernizing infrastructure and tightening national security, the West Bengal government has initiated the relocation of the historic Bankra Mosque, situated adjacent to the secondary runway of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. Regular prayers at the site have been temporarily suspended to facilitate the transition.
Security Deficits and Runway Obstructions
For years, the location of the mosque just 165 meters from the airport’s secondary runway on land belonging to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has posed significant operational and security challenges.
According to airport officials, the mosque’s presence compromised airfield security and risked passenger safety. Previously, individuals were able to access the high-security zone near the runway to offer prayers using only standard national identity cards, without undergoing the stringent background checks required for official airport entry passes. Furthermore, the structure directly hindered the expansion of the secondary runway, limiting the airport’s overall capacity. While previous administrations delayed action, the current government has moved forward with the relocation plan.
National Security is Paramount, Says Chief Minister
Addressing the development, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari emphasized that the decision was driven strictly by national interest and safety requirements.
“National security and airport safety must be given top priority,” Adhikari stated. “Given Kolkata’s strategic international location and proximity to neighboring borders like China and Bangladesh, we cannot leave an international airport vulnerable. We are not restricting anyone’s right to practice their religion, but laws must be followed, and order must be maintained for everything to function smoothly.”
A Push for World-Class Infrastructure
State BJP President Samik Bhattacharya strongly backed the government’s move, highlighting that he had previously raised this issue in the Rajya Sabha. In a detailed social media post, Bhattacharya welcomed the decision as a bold step necessary for West Bengal’s economic growth.
“Kolkata is not just the gateway to Eastern India; it is a vital economic and strategic hub,” Bhattacharya noted, adding that the central government had previously confirmed that the mosque’s location restricted the full utilization and expansion of the runway.
Outlining the party’s stance, Bhattacharya wrote: “Our position is clear development should not be obstructed. We seek a solution that respects all religious sentiments and protects individual rights, while ensuring Kolkata gains a fully functional runway, a future world-class Aerocity, increased international flights, new investments, and thousands of jobs. This is the politics of development, not appeasement. Transforming Kolkata into a global aviation hub makes this change absolutely essential.”
The government is currently advancing the relocation process to an alternative site, balancing infrastructure development with respect for religious practices.
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