The long-running debate over relocating the Bankra Mosque from the operational area of Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport has gained fresh momentum following new security restrictions and renewed support from the West Bengal government.
The mosque, officially known as Gouripur Jame Masjid and also referred to as Gauripur Jama Masjid, is widely reported to be around 136 years old. It existed before the British developed the Dum Dum aerodrome in the 1920s. As the airport expanded and nearby settlements were moved or redeveloped, the mosque remained close to the airport’s secondary runway.
Public access was initially interrupted after heavy rain damaged the approach road. Airport authorities later suspended outside entry indefinitely, citing concerns over allowing worshippers into a restricted operational zone using identity verification and routine security screening.
Reports indicate that the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security raised questions about whether Aadhaar-based entry alone satisfied the clearance requirements for access to a sensitive airport area. The Central Industrial Security Force and BCAS oversee security protocols within the airport, while the Airports Authority of India owns the land.
Runway safety and aviation security
The mosque is situated about 165 metres from one end of the secondary runway, short of the reported 240-metre runway safety-area requirement. Its location has resulted in the runway threshold being displaced by approximately 88 metres.
The secondary runway continues to support aircraft operations and does not prevent normal daily functioning. However, aviation officials have raised concerns about exceptional situations, including an aircraft undershooting or overshooting the runway.
The mosque’s position also restricts the installation of landing-navigation equipment at one end of the runway. While the primary runway has more advanced low-visibility landing facilities, the secondary runway has limited Instrument Landing System support.
This reduces operational flexibility during fog, adverse wind conditions, maintenance work or a temporary closure of the primary runway. Relocating the structure could allow authorities to improve the secondary runway’s safety area and navigation facilities, although no official capacity increase has been guaranteed.
Relocation discussions and community response
Proposals to shift the mosque have been discussed for several years by airport authorities, the Civil Aviation Ministry, district officials and successive West Bengal governments. Earlier efforts did not result in relocation because of legal, administrative and community concerns.
The issue has received renewed attention under the BJP-led West Bengal government. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya have supported removing the structure from the airport’s operational area, citing development, safety and security requirements.
Local BJP legislator Sourav Sikdar has said that both the mosque and a nearby temple could be relocated if necessary for airport modernisation. This position presents the proposal as an infrastructure measure rather than one directed at a single religious community.
Community elders have reportedly urged worshippers to avoid confrontation and pursue discussions through administrative and legal channels. Mosque representatives maintain that the structure predates the airport and should not be shifted without consultation, suitable replacement land and safeguards for continued religious access.
Some reports indicate that sections of the local community may be open to relocation if an appropriate replacement mosque is constructed outside the restricted airport zone. However, no final agreement involving all stakeholders has been publicly announced.
Authorities have not released a confirmed relocation date, approved rehabilitation plan or final construction schedule. Until formal orders are issued, the matter remains an unresolved proposal involving aviation safety, airport security, infrastructure development, religious rights and the preservation of a historic place of worship.
