Authorities are planning to relocate a historic mosque situated near the secondary runway of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.
The move is intended to resolve critical safety hazards and operational limitations that currently hinder the airport's ability to expand and modernize its landing infrastructure.
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar said the relocation is necessary because the structure's current position restricts the airport's capabilities. According to official reports, the mosque is situated nearly 165 metres [2] from the secondary runway. This proximity has reduced the runway's usable touchdown point by 88 metres [1].
Beyond the physical footprint, the mosque's location prevents the installation of a CAT IIIb Instrument Landing System [1]. This advanced technology is essential for maintaining flight operations during periods of low visibility. Officials said that the lack of this system creates ongoing safety and operational concerns for the facility.
State minister Suvendu Adhikari said the removal was necessary, citing national security and safety requirements. The mosque is a historic site, with reports on its age varying between approximately 100 years [2] and over 130 years [3].
Majumdar and other officials said that the relocation was delayed in the past due to "appeasement politics" [1]. They argued that political considerations previously took precedence over the technical requirements of aviation safety, and the needs of the airport's infrastructure.
“The mosque’s location prevents the installation of a CAT IIIb Instrument Landing System.”
The conflict highlights the tension between preserving historic religious landmarks and meeting modern aviation safety standards. By prioritizing the installation of a CAT IIIb system and extending the touchdown zone, authorities are signaling that operational safety and national security now outweigh the political risks associated with relocating a century-old community site.
