West Bengal Government Orders Relocation of Bankra Mosque at Kolkata Airport

The Government of West Bengal has decided to relocate the 136-year-old Bankra Mosque, also known as Gouripur Jama Masjid, which is situated within the operational area of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. Authorities first suspended prayers on July 11, 2026, initially citing rain damage to approach roads. However, the suspension became indefinite after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security questioned the practice of granting devotees access to the high-security zone using only Aadhaar cards.

The mosque is located approximately 165 meters from the secondary runway, falling short of the 240-meter minimum required to handle wide-body aircraft. Government officials state the structure obstructs planned runway extensions and the installation of advanced Instrument Landing Systems. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari asserted that national security and airport safety must take priority, given the airport's proximity to China and Bangladesh.

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar and Minister Dilip Ghosh criticized previous administrations for "appeasement politics," claiming prior governments refused to interfere with the site. While BJP leader Keya Ghosh stated the decision was made with the agreement of the Imams, mosque committee president Siddiqullah Chowdhury opposed the closure, citing the shrine's long history and a lack of prior notice regarding the suspension of entry passes. The Airports Authority of India remains the landowner and is coordinating the relocation process.