The West Bengal government has proposed a new greenfield airport near Kalyani to address severe passenger crowding at Kolkata's primary international airport. Unveiled in the FY 2026–27 state budget, the plan seeks to acquire up to 1,500 acres of land to establish a major aviation hub.
KOLKATA, India — The West Bengal government has officially unveiled an infrastructure proposal to develop a new greenfield airport near Kalyani in the Nadia district to ease heavy passenger traffic at Kolkata’s existing international terminal. State Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta announced the ambitious aviation project on Monday, June 22, 2026, during the presentation of the financial year 2026–27 state budget in the Legislative Assembly.
The announcement has drawn widespread attention across West Bengal today as a major policy turn designed to support regional economic growth, enhance logistics capacity, and modernise the state's transport footprint. It signals a massive shift in state planning, prioritizing connectivity to attract institutional investment and reduce the cost of doing business in eastern India.
Decongesting Kolkata’s Overburdened Aviation Hub
According to official civil aviation data compiled by the state, the proposed greenfield airport near Kalyani is intended to operate as a vital secondary commercial gateway for the Kolkata metropolitan region. The decision stems directly from severe operational pressure confronting the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Dum Dum, which currently spans approximately 2,460 acres but is facing heavy daily traffic surges. For instance, on June 21, 2026, the existing Kolkata airport recorded more than 55,000 passengers in a single 24-hour window, handling 278 domestic and 50 international flight movements.
To alleviate this growing load, the state administration plans to identify between 1,000 and 1,500 acres of land near Kalyani to build the facility. State officials note that the project mirrors international modular designs like Noida’s upcoming Jewar Airport near Delhi, aiming to select an open, accessible industrial belt that can handle passenger flow alongside advanced cargo infrastructure. Planners intend for the site to eventually support wide-body aircraft operations, comprehensive passenger terminal complexes, and modern cargo handling mechanisms.
Regional Connectivity Push and Economic Impact
Beyond the greenfield airport near Kalyani, the newly formed state government outlined a broad transport matrix in its Rs 4.38 lakh crore budget blueprint to lift the regional investment climate. Presenting his maiden budget speech, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta declared that new civil airports will also be made functional or developed in Purulia, Balurghat, and Malda under the Central Government's UDAN scheme to stimulate regional tourism. Additionally, the state has earmarked land for the strategic expansion of existing commercial and military airfields, including allocating 25 acres for the Hasimara Air Force Station and 37 acres for the Kalaikunda Air Force Station.
The infrastructure push is expected to yield practical long-term benefits for businesses, travelers, and international trade stakeholders. Local real estate, manufacturing, and agricultural exporters around Nadia and neighboring districts stand to gain from tailored logistical amenities capable of handling perishables, textiles, and heavy industrial machinery. Travelers and corporate commuters will benefit from reduced transit times as the dual-airport system spreads out flight distributions and eases overall highway traffic leading directly into Kolkata.
Broader Context of the 2026 Fiscal Proposals
The aviation roadmap forms part of a wider administrative overhaul introduced by the Suvendu Adhikari-led government. Alongside transport upgrades, the state budget prioritized energy self-reliance by targeting the installation of two lakh rooftop solar power systems under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, backed by a preliminary state allocation of Rs 100 crore.
Furthermore, to reassure incoming businesses, the administration announced plans to introduce a dedicated law aimed at protecting enterprises from informal extortions and syndicate charges, significantly modernizing the ease of doing business in Bengal. Social welfare also received massive funding, with Rs 36,000 crore earmarked for the Annapurna Yojana to provide direct financial assistance to eligible women beneficiaries across the state.
Quote Section
"Kolkata Airport is facing significant passenger congestion, and there is a need for a second Airport in Kolkata to boost the regional economy," stated West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta during his presentation in the state assembly. "According to officials, the government will identify 1,000-1,500 acres of land near Kalyani to set up a new green field airport near Kolkata to strengthen connectivity across the state."
Why It Matters
The proposal for a greenfield airport near Kalyani introduces major structural shifts for local businesses and casual travelers. It addresses the worsening gate and lounge delays at Dum Dum while unlocking industrial growth along the Kalyani Expressway corridor. However, market experts caution that the plan remains in its early conceptual stages. Before construction can begin, the project must undergo strict environmental clearances, land acquisition verifications, and regulatory approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Key Facts at a Glance
Decongestion Goal: The state government has proposed a new greenfield airport near Kalyani to act as a second commercial terminal for the Kolkata region.
Land Mapping: Budget plans specify that administrative bodies will identify between 1,000 and 1,500 acres of land in the Nadia district to build the project.
Severe Traffic Pressure: The proposal follows record passenger volumes at Kolkata airport, which handled over 55,000 flyers in a single day on June 21, 2026.
Broader Aviation Network: The state budget simultaneously introduced civil airport projects for Purulia, Balurghat, and Malda under the central UDAN framework.
Military Infrastructure Support: West Bengal will hand over 25 acres of land to the Hasimara Air Force Station and 37 acres to the Kalaikunda Air Force Station for security upgrades.
FAQ Section
Why is the government proposing a greenfield airport near Kalyani?
The project aims to relieve severe passenger congestion at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and create an expanded aviation and cargo hub for Eastern India.
How far is the proposed Kalyani airport site from Kolkata?
The well-planned industrial town of Kalyani is located roughly 53 to 60 kilometers north of Kolkata, offering reliable road and rail transport links to the capital metropolitan area.
What is the current status of the Kalyani airport project?
The project is in its early planning stages. The state budget has formally authorized the identification of land, meaning detailed project reports, environmental reviews, and construction schedules are yet to be finalized.
Source: Official budget statements broadcast by the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, structural infrastructure manifests distributed by the Airports Authority of India, and regional zoning updates cataloged by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
