Kolkata is set to achieve a significant milestone, becoming India's third metropolitan region to operate multiple commercial airports. This development follows the West Bengal government's recent announcement of plans to establish a new greenfield airport near Kalyani, approximately 50 kilometers north of the city.
The proposal, revealed by Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta during the presentation of the West Bengal Budget 2026-27, marks a strategic shift in the state's aviation policy. Once operational, the Kalyani airport will serve as the second commercial aviation hub for the Kolkata Metropolitan Area, complementing the existing Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBIA) at Dum Dum.
Joining Elite Multi-Airport Regions
Kolkata will join the ranks of the National Capital Region (NCR) and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), which are already home to multi-airport systems. The NCR was the first to adopt this model, with Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) supplemented by commercial flights from Hindon civil enclave since 2019, and more recently, the inauguration of Noida International Airport at Jewar. Similarly, the MMR expanded its capacity with the development of the Navi Mumbai International Airport, designed to ease pressure on the heavily congested Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).
Globally, major urban centers like London, New York, Paris, and Tokyo rely on multiple airports to manage growing passenger traffic, cargo movement, and future aviation demand. Aviation experts increasingly highlight multi-airport systems as essential infrastructure for rapidly expanding urban regions.
Why Kolkata Needs a Second Airport
The imperative for a second airport in Kolkata stems from the escalating demand on its existing infrastructure. In FY2024-25, NSCBIA handled nearly 2.1 crore passengers, solidifying its position as one of India's busiest aviation hubs. Passenger traffic has seen a steady recovery and expansion post-pandemic, driven by increased business activity, tourism, and cargo demand across eastern India.
A new airport is expected to significantly ease future congestion, enhance operational flexibility, and strengthen connectivity, particularly to Kolkata's fast-growing northern suburbs. Kalyani's strategic location also offers advantages, boasting robust road and rail connectivity with Nadia district and neighboring Bangladesh, which could further establish it as a logistics and commercial nexus. The project also aligns with the broader expansion of the Kolkata Metropolitan Area, which has extended beyond traditional city limits towards satellite townships like New Town, Rajarhat, and Kalyani.
Project History and Future Steps
The idea of a second airport for Kolkata has been under consideration for years, with various locations, including Andal, Kalyani, and parts of South 24 Parganas, evaluated. However, the project faced repeated delays primarily due to challenges related to land acquisition, regulatory approvals, and viability concerns. Notably, former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had previously opposed the Centre's proposal for a second airport, citing concerns over displacing residents due to land requirements.
The current budget announcement signals renewed political backing for the Kalyani proposal, especially with the BJP now in power in West Bengal. The project's progression now hinges on securing the necessary approvals from the Central government and various aviation authorities. Once these clearances are obtained, Kolkata will officially mark its entry into an exclusive group of Indian metropolitan regions equipped with multi-airport capabilities, signifying a major advancement in the nation's aviation infrastructure.