West Bengal has identified around 2,000 acres in Kalyani, Nadia district, for Kolkata’s second greenfield airport. The proposed project aims to expand aviation capacity, improve regional connectivity and support economic growth.
West Bengal Moves Ahead with Plan for Second Kolkata Airport
The West Bengal Government has taken a major step toward expanding the state’s aviation infrastructure by identifying nearly 2,000 acres of land in Kalyani, Nadia district, for the development of a second greenfield airport for Kolkata.
The proposed airport is intended to meet the rising demand for air travel in the Kolkata metropolitan region, reduce pressure on the existing Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, and strengthen connectivity across southern and northern parts of the state.
The announcement was made by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who said the project would play an important role in improving regional transport infrastructure and supporting West Bengal’s long-term economic development.
Kalyani Chosen as Proposed Airport Site
According to government officials, the identified land stretches from the rear of AIIMS Kalyani to Narapati Para in Simurali, located within the Chakdaha Assembly constituency in Nadia district.
The proposed site enjoys strategic connectivity through National Highway-12 (NH-12) and is situated approximately 60 kilometres from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, making it accessible by road in about an hour.
Officials said preliminary soil investigations have already been completed and the land has been found suitable for airport development from a technical standpoint.
Greenfield Airport Planned with Future Expansion in Mind
The project has been conceived as a greenfield airport, meaning it will be constructed on previously undeveloped land instead of expanding an existing airport.
Plans for the new airport include:
- Modern passenger terminals
- Cargo handling facilities
- A full-length runway
- Supporting aviation infrastructure
- Space for future expansion as passenger demand grows
Once approved and developed, the airport is expected to significantly enhance the state’s aviation capacity while accommodating additional domestic and international flights.
Project Expected to Improve Regional Connectivity
The proposed airport is expected to provide improved air connectivity for residents of Nadia and neighbouring districts, reducing dependence on Kolkata’s existing airport for many travellers.
Officials believe the project could also:
- Ease congestion at the current Kolkata airport.
- Encourage airlines to launch new domestic and international routes.
- Improve access for businesses and industries.
- Support tourism across West Bengal.
- Facilitate faster cargo movement and logistics.
The airport is also expected to strengthen Kalyani’s position as an emerging education, healthcare and industrial hub.
West Bengal Joins UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme
During a Transport Department event, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also announced that West Bengal has joined the Central Government’s UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) Regional Connectivity Scheme.
The UDAN initiative aims to make air travel more affordable while improving regional connectivity by linking underserved and unserved airports across the country.
As part of the state’s aviation expansion plans, the Chief Minister said the Central Government has also extended support for airport development projects at:
- Balurghat
- Malda
- Purulia
These projects are expected to strengthen connectivity within West Bengal while promoting tourism, trade and investment.
Economic Benefits of the Proposed Airport
If approved, Kolkata’s second airport could become a significant driver of regional economic growth.
Large airport projects typically generate employment during both construction and operation while attracting investments in hospitality, logistics, warehousing, manufacturing and commercial development.
Improved air connectivity is also expected to benefit educational institutions, healthcare facilities and businesses located in and around Kalyani.
What Happens Next?
Although the land has been identified and preliminary technical assessments have been completed, the project will still require statutory approvals, environmental clearances and detailed planning before construction can begin.
Once these processes are completed, the proposed greenfield airport could become one of West Bengal’s most significant infrastructure projects in the coming years.
Key Takeaways
- West Bengal has identified around 2,000 acres in Kalyani, Nadia district, for Kolkata’s proposed second airport.
- The project is planned as a greenfield airport with passenger terminals, cargo facilities and future expansion capacity.
- The proposed site lies near NH-12 and about 60 km from the existing Kolkata airport.
- The airport aims to reduce congestion, improve regional connectivity and support economic growth.
- West Bengal has also joined the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme, while airport expansion projects are planned for Balurghat, Malda and Purulia.
FAQs
Where will Kolkata’s second airport be built?
The proposed airport is planned at Kalyani in Nadia district, where around 2,000 acres of land have been identified.
Why is a second airport needed?
The new airport is intended to meet growing passenger demand, reduce pressure on the existing Kolkata airport and improve regional connectivity across West Bengal.
What facilities are planned at the airport?
The proposed greenfield airport is expected to include passenger terminals, cargo facilities, runways and infrastructure for future expansion.
How far is the proposed site from Kolkata’s existing airport?
The proposed site is approximately 60 kilometres from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and is accessible via NH-12.
What other aviation projects were announced?
The state government said it has joined the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme, while airport development or expansion projects are also planned for Balurghat, Malda and Purulia.
