India Hosts A Century-Old Mosque Built Directly Inside The Runway Safety Zone Of Kolkata Airport

New Delhi: Bankra Mosque was built around 1890. It covers nearly 1,200 square feet. The airport came decades later. Expansion in the 1960s changed boundaries. The mosque fell inside the airport perimeter. Its location cuts across runway alignment. This created long-term safety concerns for authorities.

How Does It Affect The Second Runway?

Kolkata Airport has two parallel runways. The main runway handles most flights. The secondary runway is vital during fog. Mosque location forced threshold reduction. Nearly 88 meters had to be shifted. This lowered operational runway length. Emergencies and winter operations face higher risk.

What Do Aviation Safety Norms Require?

AAI mandates 240 meters of clear space. This ensures safe stopping for aircraft. Overshoot zones reduce accident risks. Kolkata has only 160 meters available. This violates key safety rules. Kozhikode crash increased national concern. Authorities revisited all runway obstacles seriously.

Why Has Removal Not Happened Yet?

AAI held several meetings with the state. Mosque committee opposed relocation decisions. Authorities suggested alternate access tunnels. Controlled-entry zones were also discussed. None reached final approval stage. Legal and religious concerns remain sensitive. This delayed critical safety improvements repeatedly.

How Does It Impact Rising Air Traffic?

Kolkata is eastern India’s main gateway. Passenger numbers rise every year. Flight operations increase continuously. Secondary runway is essential for load. Obstruction limits capacity expansion badly. Airlines face fog-season disruptions often. Long-term planning becomes difficult for airport teams. Delays become more frequent in winter months. Airport efficiency drops during peak hours. Future growth targets remain hard to achieve.

Why Is This Situation Unique In India?

No other airport has such a case. A century-old mosque inside safety limits is rare. It stands exactly in the alignment zone. Pilots must follow adjusted landing paths. Runway redesign became unavoidable. India considers this a complex aviation challenge. Only negotiation can resolve the issue. Historic structures add legal hurdles. Cultural sensitivity slows decisions. Authorities must balance safety and respect.

What Are Authorities Planning Next?

AAI continues talks with state officials. Safety audits are being done again. Engineering teams study new options. Controlled relocation remains a proposal. Stakeholder consultation is underway slowly. Airport expansion needs urgent decisions now. A final solution is still awaited ahead. More reviews will be held soon. Experts want faster coordination steps. Government approval is essential for progress.