Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Calcutta Airport Plans Basement Route to Ease Congestion
Calcutta airport wants to use an empty pathway under the terminal to reduce traffic.
Three large lifts would connect this pathway to the arrivals floor.
People who book app-based taxis would go downstairs to meet their drivers.
The basement would also have parking spaces for these taxis.
Private cars would remain in the lanes outside the terminal.
Airport officials say this could make the arrival area less crowded.
It could also make it harder for unauthorised taxis and touts to operate there.
The plan still needs approval from the Airports Authority of India.
The new lifts would be large enough for passengers, luggage, and trolleys.
Calcutta airport plans to connect an unused basement pathway to the arrival level with three large lifts.
Passengers using app cabs, including YatriSathi vehicles, would collect their cars in the basement.
Airport officials say the plan would reduce congestion and limit unauthorised taxi parking and touting.
Only private cars are expected to continue using the lanes directly outside the arrival area.
The proposal has been sent to Airports Authority of India headquarters for approval.
- Who
- Calcutta airport authorities, app-cab passengers and drivers, private-car users, taxi operators and touts.
- What
- The airport plans to open an unused basement pathway and connect it to the arrivals level with three large lifts.
- When
- The proposal is being planned; no opening date was stated. Congestion has affected the terminal since it became operational in 2013.
- Where
- Calcutta airport’s terminal, including its arrival level, basement pathway and parking area.
- Why
- To reduce congestion outside arrivals and improve control over app-cab access, unauthorised taxi parking and touting.
- Planned lifts
- Three large lifts would connect the arrivals level to the basement.
- Lift capacity
- Each new lift is expected to accommodate about 20 people with trolleys and luggage.
- App-cab arrangements
- App cabs, including those operating through YatriSathi, would pick up passengers from the basement.
- Private vehicles
- Only private cars are planned to use the lanes directly outside the arrival area.
- Current problem
- Passengers and vehicles face severe congestion in front of the arrivals area, especially during morning and evening peaks.
- Approval status
- The proposal has been sent to Airports Authority of India headquarters in Delhi.
- Existing pathway
- The basement pathway is currently used only by a few service vehicles, with connecting entrances blocked by barricades.