Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Mosque Limits Kolkata Airport Runway Use
There is a mosque near the second runway of the Kolkata airport.
This mosque is causing problems because it limits how much the runway can be used.
The government says the main runway is used most of the time, and the second one is only used when the main one is not available.
Some people in the government want the mosque to be moved so the airport can be expanded.
The mosque's leader says the location was settled a long time ago and the mosque should stay where it is.
The government has not decided to move the mosque yet.
The government is also working on getting permission to demolish old buildings at the airport so they can build a new, bigger terminal.
A mosque near the secondary runway of Kolkata airport limits its full utilization.
The mosque's presence causes an 88-meter displacement of the northern threshold, restricting the runway's effective length.
The government acknowledges the mosque's presence but does not prioritize its relocation.
BJP MPs argue for the mosque's peaceful relocation to expand the airport.
The mosque's Imam claims the location was settled during the Vajpayee government, and the mosque should remain as is.
- Who
- Government of India, BJP MPs, Imam Shafique Qamsi
- What
- Mosque hindering Kolkata airport operations and expansion
- When
- Issue raised in Parliament on December 3, 2025
- Where
- Kolkata, West Bengal
- Why
- Mosque's location limits the full utilization of the secondary runway
Government and BJP MPs
Mosque Imam
Relocation of the Mosque
Government and BJP MPs
Support peaceful relocation of the mosque to expand the airport and improve operational efficiency.
Mosque Imam
The mosque's location was settled during the Vajpayee government and should remain as is.
- Location
- Kolkata, West Bengal
- Airport Runways
- Two parallel runways (primary and secondary)
- Mosque Location
- Approach area of the secondary runway (runway 19R-01L)
- Runway Limitation
- 88 meters displacement on the northern side threshold
- Government Response
- Relocation of the mosque is not a priority; focusing on obtaining approvals for demolishing old terminal buildings
- BJP's Stance
- Peaceful relocation of the mosque for airport expansion
- Imam's Statement
- Mosque's location was settled during Vajpayee's government
Sources
Is a mosque hindering operations at Kolkata airport and will govt relocate it? Centre responds
Railways minister lobs Kolkata metro-expansion-delay ball to Mamata Banerjee’s court - Telegraph India
Kolkata runway use restricted as mosque blocks approach, says government