BANKRA MOSQUE

 

BANKRA MOSQUE

INTRODUCTION:

Dum Dum Airport (officially renamed later as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport) was established in 1924.

Originally known as Calcutta Aerodrome, it is one of the oldest airports in India.

The airport officially began operations as a landing strip for non-commercial and irregular flights, with the first recorded flight—a KLM aircraft—landing there on November 14, 1924. In 1995, it was renamed to honour the most significant Indian leader and freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

A CENTURY OF AVIATION HISTORY!

 Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, connects Eastern India to the world while showcasing rich heritage, modern infrastructure, and a commitment to sustainability.

The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport spans a total land area of 2,460 acres (approximately 1,000 hectares or 6.64 square kilometres).This sprawling estate places it among the largest airports in India by land area. Within this controlled high-security perimeter, the layout includes:

The Airside Operational Zone: Housing two parallel asphalt runways, taxiways, and the critical air traffic control infrastructure.

Terminal Buildings: Headlined by the integrated Terminal 2 (T2), which covers 233,000 square meters to handle over 20 million passengers annually.

Dedicated Cargo Infrastructure: Including specialized structures like the 742.5-square-meter Centre for Perishable Cargo (CPC).

BANKRA MOSQUE

The Bankra Mosque (officially known as the Gauripur Jama Masjid), which stands directly within the operational area of the Kolkata Airport, was established in 1890.Because it was built more than three decades before the British founded the Dum Dum aerodrome in 1924, it originally served a local village that was later cleared for airport expansion.

Current Context and Controversy--Runway Proximity: The mosque sits just 165 meters from the airport's secondary runway. International aviation safety standards require a minimum clearance of 240 meters.

Operational Impact: Because of its location, the usable length of the secondary runway is heavily restricted, preventing wide-body aircraft like Boeing 787s and Airbus A330s from landing safely on it.

The local village of Bankra was cleared in phases during the 1950s through 1960s. As Kolkata emerged as a major industrial and commercial hub after independence, the airport required massive expansions to accommodate modern aircrafts.

 This led to the following developments: Mass Relocation: Settlements located north and west of the main runway were completely cleared.

Rehabilitation: The displaced residents of Bankra village were relocated in Madhyamgram and nearby areas.

The Exception: During the land acquisition, a formal deed and a conditional "informal understanding" were reached between the community and the state government. This agreement allowed the Bankra Mosque to remain completely untouched while the village houses around it were demolished, leaving the shrine isolated inside the newly secured airfield perimeter.

This was a a terrible mistake and short-sightedness of the then Congress Government of Bengal, who was not willing to displease Muslims. I am sure a new Mosque in Madhyamgram  if built then—this Bankra Mosque could be dismantled.

Previously, around 50 to 80 devotees were allowed into the high-security zone for daily prayers after frisking and producing Aadhaar cards. However, citing directives from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and West Bengal Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari, authorities halted this practice, emphasizing that national security and airport operations take precedence over open access. A replacement mosque is slated to be built outside the airport perimeter. 

Recent Developments: In July 2026, for the first time BJP came in power in the State, authorities stopped entry passes and suspended prayers at the religious structure. Led by the state government and aviation security agencies, active discussions and physical preparations are underway to permanently relocate the mosque outside the airport perimeter to prioritize national security and facilitate runway expansions.

I would suggest to relocate the Mosque as far as possible from AIRPORT, may be in Madhyamgram, where original villagers were relocated.

And it shall be done as soon as possible.

DISCLAIMER: This BLOG is posted for information purpose only. No religion or community is intended to be insulted.

Reference: All information are available in Public Domain.