West Bengal Budget 2026: Second Kolkata Airport and 3 New Airfields

KOLKATA — The West Bengal government unveiled its first budget of the 2026-27 fiscal year on Monday, marking a transformative shift in the state's infrastructure policy. Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta, presenting the budget in the Legislative Assembly, announced plans to construct a second greenfield airport serving the Kolkata region, alongside the development of three new airports across the state to boost connectivity and regional economic activity.

The budget, which carries a net allocation of ₹4.38 lakh crore, highlights the current administration's focus on addressing the growing passenger congestion at Kolkata’s existing Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. The government aims to identify between 1,000 and 1,500 acres of land near Kalyani to host the proposed greenfield facility, a move officials describe as essential to support the city's future growth and regional industrial development.

Strategic Aviation Expansion

In addition to the Kolkata region project, the budget includes a concerted effort to enhance statewide air accessibility. Finance Minister Dasgupta confirmed that new airports are proposed for Purulia, Balurghat, and Malda under the Union government's Regional Connectivity Scheme, known as UDAAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik). Furthermore, the existing airport at Cooch Behar is slated for a major expansion.

The aviation roadmap also extends to national defense infrastructure. The state government has pledged to provide 25 acres and 37 acres of land, respectively, to the Hasimara and Kalaikunda Air Force stations, facilitating the expansion and modernization of these key strategic facilities.

Addressing Infrastructure and Welfare

Beyond aviation, the 2026-27 budget outlines a multi-pronged approach to development. The government announced the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, with a target of installing two lakh rooftop solar systems across West Bengal. To support this initiative, an allocation of ₹100 crore has been set aside, with additional subsidies for SC/ST families on power consumption.

Significant welfare initiatives were also unveiled, including the "Annapurna Yojana," a restructured version of the previous state welfare schemes, with an allocation of ₹36,000 crore. The government stated that this program will benefit one crore women, emphasizing that the reduction in the beneficiary count compared to previous iterations is a result of stricter verification processes designed to eliminate duplication and ensure benefits reach intended recipients.

Official Sources

According to the budget presentation by Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta, the proposed aviation projects are intended to align with the central government's vision of fostering "Viksit Bangla." Official filings and statements from the state government highlight that the expansion of the airport network is a prerequisite for robust industrialization and long-term economic prosperity in West Bengal.

"Kolkata Airport is facing significant passenger congestion, and there is a need for a second airport in Kolkata to boost the regional economy," Dasgupta told the Legislative Assembly.

Why It Matters

For travelers and businesses, the development of a second airport near Kolkata serves as a critical step toward decongesting the state's primary travel hub. The proposal to establish new airports in districts like Purulia and Malda is expected to unlock economic potential in underserved regions, facilitating faster movement of goods and people. Investors view the budget’s focus on connectivity and solar energy as a signal of a "double-engine" growth strategy aimed at aligning the state’s development trajectory with national infrastructure goals.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Second Kolkata Airport: A greenfield airport is planned near Kalyani, requiring 1,000–1,500 acres of land.

• Regional Connectivity: New airports proposed for Purulia, Balurghat, and Malda under the UDAAN scheme.

• Budget Outlay: Total net allocation for the 2026-27 fiscal year is ₹4,38,775.29 crore.

• Defense Boost: Land transfers approved for the expansion of Hasimara and Kalaikunda Air Force stations.

• Solar Initiative: Targets 2 lakh rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

FAQ

Why is a second airport being planned for Kolkata?

Officials state that the current Kolkata airport is facing significant passenger congestion, and a second facility is necessary to accommodate future growth and support the regional economy.

Where will the new airports be located?

The state has proposed new airports in Purulia, Balurghat, and Malda, with a greenfield airport planned near Kalyani to serve the Kolkata region.

What is the Annapurna Yojana?

It is the state’s restructured welfare scheme for women, which allocates ₹36,000 crore to provide financial assistance to approximately one crore beneficiaries.

How does this budget impact energy infrastructure?

The government has allocated ₹100 crore for rooftop solar projects, aiming to install two lakh systems across the state to promote renewable energy adoption.

Source: West Bengal Legislative Assembly Budget 2026-27, ANI News, The Times of India, Telegraph India.