Kolkata Second Airport Plan Announced in West Bengal Budget, 3 New Airfields Proposed
Kolkata Second Airport
The newly formed BJP government in West Bengal has announced a major infrastructure and aviation development plan in its first state budget. One of the biggest announcements is the proposal to build a second airport for the Kolkata region and develop three new airfields in different parts of the state.
Presenting the state budget for 2026-27 in the Assembly, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta said that around 1,000 acres of land would be identified in Kalyani for the construction of a greenfield airport. The proposed airport aims to reduce congestion at Kolkata’s existing airport and improve air connectivity in the region.
Kolkata’s current airport handles millions of passengers every year and has witnessed a steady rise in passenger traffic. The government believes that a second airport will help meet future demand and provide better facilities for travellers and airlines.
The proposed airport in Kalyani is expected to become an important transportation hub for the Kolkata Metropolitan Region. It could improve connectivity not only for Kolkata residents but also for people living in nearby districts. Better airport infrastructure is also expected to support economic growth, attract investments, and create employment opportunities.
Apart from the second airport for Kolkata, the state government has also announced plans to develop new airfields in Purulia, Balurghat, and Malda. These projects will be undertaken under the Centre’s UDAAN scheme, which aims to improve regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable for people living in smaller cities.
The government also plans to expand the existing airport in Cooch Behar. The expansion is expected to improve facilities and increase flight operations from the region.
The development of new airports and airfields is likely to bring major benefits to West Bengal. Improved air connectivity can boost tourism, support local businesses, encourage investments, and provide faster transportation options for residents and visitors.
Experts believe that regional airports can play an important role in the development of smaller cities. Better connectivity often encourages industries and businesses to establish operations in new locations, creating employment opportunities and supporting local economies.
In addition to aviation projects, the state government announced several other important initiatives in its first budget. The finance minister said that plans are underway to establish campuses of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in North Bengal. These institutions are expected to strengthen higher education and provide quality learning opportunities for students in the region.
The government also announced plans to fill around 20,000 vacancies in the state police force. This move is expected to strengthen law enforcement and create employment opportunities for thousands of young people.
On the welfare front, the government has allocated Rs 36,000 crore for the Annapurna Yojana, a revamped version of the previous Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. According to budget estimates, the scheme will benefit around one crore women who will receive financial assistance of Rs 3,000 per month.
The announcements made in the budget indicate the government’s focus on infrastructure development, connectivity, education, employment, and social welfare. The proposed second airport for Kolkata and the development of new airfields could significantly transform West Bengal’s aviation sector and contribute to the state’s long-term economic growth.
