The Growing Need for a Second Hub
Kolkata's NSCBI Airport is one of India's busiest, handling passenger traffic that is rapidly approaching its maximum capacity. Projections indicate the existing airport could be overwhelmed by 2035, making the need for an alternative critical for the region's
future growth. While NSCBI Airport is undergoing significant expansion—with plans to increase parking bays to 132 and raise passenger capacity from 28 million to a potential 45 million by 2032-33—experts see a second airport not just as a solution for overflow but as essential infrastructure for a major metropolitan area. This follows a global trend where major cities like London, New York, and now Indian metros like Delhi-NCR and Mumbai, rely on multi-airport systems to manage air traffic and drive economic development.
Why Kalyani is the Leading Contender
Located approximately 50-60 kilometres north of Kolkata, Kalyani presents several strategic advantages. The West Bengal government has identified around 1,500 to 2,000 acres of land for a potential greenfield airport, a term for an airport built on undeveloped land. This site is situated near National Highway-12 and has strong existing rail connectivity, making it accessible from Kolkata. Preliminary soil tests have reportedly confirmed the land's technical suitability for an airport. The choice of Kalyani is also backed by the area's growing economic importance. The Kalyani-Haringhata belt is already an established hub for education, healthcare, and industry, hosting institutions like AIIMS Kalyani and several industrial parks. A new airport would be expected to catalyse further development, creating a powerful economic hub.
Support and the Broader Aviation Push
The proposal for a Kalyani airport has gained significant momentum, receiving backing from both the state government and the Centre. Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu has expressed full support for the project, signalling that work could begin soon. This development is part of a larger aviation push in West Bengal. The state and central governments have signed an agreement under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme to develop four new airports at Chharra (Purulia), Kalaikunda, Balurghat, and Hasimara within two years. This broader strategy aims to double the number of airports in the state, enhancing connectivity to northern districts, border areas, and tourism hubs like the Dooars region.
The Long Road Ahead
Despite the official support, the journey from proposal to operational airport is long and complex. The project is still in its early stages. Before construction can commence, it must clear several significant hurdles. These include conducting a detailed techno-economic feasibility study, securing environmental clearances, and completing the land acquisition process. While up to 2,000 acres have been identified, the formal process of acquiring it can be lengthy. No official project timeline has been released yet. The development will require immense coordination between the state government, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to move from the drawing board to reality.
