West Bengal Budget 2026 Announces Second Airport For Kolkata, Three New Airfields

The West Bengal government has announced an ambitious aviation expansion plan in its 2026 budget, proposing the development of a second airport in Kolkata along with three additional airports across the state. The move is aimed at easing congestion at the existing Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and improving regional air connectivity under the state’s broader infrastructure push.

Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta, while presenting the budget, said the government plans to develop a greenfield airport in Kalyani spread across nearly 1,000 acres. He added that land identification and feasibility assessments would be carried out in due course. The proposed airport is expected to serve as a key relief facility for Kolkata’s primary aviation hub, which has been operating under increasing passenger pressure in recent years.

In addition to the Kalyani project, the government announced new airports under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme in Purulia, Balurghat, and Malda. These projects are intended to strengthen air access in underserved districts and promote balanced regional development. Officials also confirmed an allocation of ₹10 crore for the expansion of the existing Cooch Behar airport to enhance its operational capacity.

Also Read: TCS Launches Oracle AI Data Platform Lab And CoE In Kolkata With Oracle

The budget speech also highlighted broader infrastructure priorities, including the construction of an elevated corridor between Chingrighata and New Town in Kolkata, a deep-sea port at Dadanpatrabar, and a four-lane bridge over the Mayurakshi River in Birbhum. In addition, feasibility studies have been proposed for metro rail extensions in Durgapur, Asansol, and Siliguri, signalling a focus on improving both urban and regional transport networks.

The government stated that its development agenda is aligned with the national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, emphasising long-term economic growth, connectivity, and infrastructure modernisation. Officials argued that strengthening transport infrastructure, particularly aviation, would play a key role in attracting investment and improving mobility across West Bengal.

The budget also comes in the backdrop of the state’s financial concerns, with the government noting a significant inherited debt burden. Despite fiscal challenges, the administration has pledged to prioritise development while maintaining financial discipline, framing the budget as a step toward restoring economic stability and public confidence in governance.

Also Read: Fire Breaks Out At South 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad Office In Kolkata