The BJP-led West Bengal government decided to remove the century-old Bankra Mosque located inside Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata due to security concerns and runway expansion requirements.

The mosque, over 130 years old and predating the airport, is situated approximately 165 metres from the airport's secondary runway. Aviation authorities argue its location restricts runway expansion, affects flight operations, and delays installation of advanced Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) needed for aircraft landings during heavy winter fog.

The mosque is located within the airport's high-security airside zone under CISF control. Worshippers currently require security screening and are transported via escorted shuttle services. Access to the mosque was stopped from Saturday onwards.

BJP MLA Sourav Sikdar stated that the mosque's location prevents two runways from full operational capacity. He flagged security concerns, noting that mosque visitors do not require airport passes or background verification, while the facility is a highest-security Level 3 area through which movements of government leaders and lakhs of monthly travellers occur.

Airport authorities plan to construct a larger, modern mosque outside airport premises. Representatives of the mosque committee and Muslim organisations have reportedly participated in discussions over the proposal.

Bengal BJP government's maiden budget announced plans for a second airport serving the Kolkata region to be located near Kalyani, and new airports at Purulia and Balurghat, signalling a major aviation and infrastructure push.

A mosque located in the operational area of Kolkata airport hinders flights from using the full runway, according to government statement to the Rajya Sabha on 3 December 2025.

PM Modi inaugurated key stretches of Green, Orange, and Yellow metro lines on August 22. Three new stretches: Sealdah to Esplanade (2.45 km), Noapara to Jaihind Bimanbandar (6.77 km), and Hemanta Mukhopadhyay to Beleghata (4.39 km).

Green Line connects Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector 5, linking Howrah railway station with IT hub. Expected to significantly cut travel time and boost residential demand in Salt Lake, New Town, and nearby areas.

Orange Line runs from Hemanta Mukhopadhyay at Ruby Crossing to Beleghata, enhancing connectivity in southern and eastern regions along EM Bypass.

Yellow Line covers 6.77 km with four stations: Noapara, Dum Dum Cantonment, Jessore Road, and Jai Hind Bimanbandar. Provides first direct metro link to airport.

Experts predict 5% property value rise in eastern and southern regions short to long term. Within 2–3 km radius of metro stations, strong development activity expected. Howrah new east–west link covers about 20 km in 12 minutes, expected to make adjoining localities within 3–4 km more accessible.

Airport zone: Kaikhali, Jessore Road, and adjoining areas have significant land parcels. Property prices range ₹1–2 crore, some projects under ₹1 crore.

Howrah: Premium residential projects like Ganga Riverfront priced ₹2–3 crore; properties away from riverfront around ₹1 crore.

Peripheral areas including Sodepur, Kamarhati, and Titagarh expected to be impacted. Many former industrial sites available for housing and commercial development.