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Historic Gouripur Jama Masjid Inside Airport Premises Under Renovation, Entry Restricted for Three Days
Kolkata: A century-old mosque located inside the premises of Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport has temporarily suspended namaz for three days due to renovation work. The Gouripur Jama Masjid, also known as the Bankra Masjid, has been serving the local community for more than 130 years and is situated a few hundred metres from the airport’s secondary runway.
According to airport officials, prayer access to the mosque has been restricted during the renovation period, which is expected to continue for two to three days. The temporary suspension is part of the ongoing construction and maintenance work being carried out at the shrine. The presence of the mosque within the airport premises has recently sparked a political debate over security arrangements.
BJP MLA Sourav Sikdar raised concerns, stating that the airport is a high-security zone and questioning the access system for people visiting the mosque. He said the airport handles important movements, including VVIP travel, and security protocols must remain a top priority.
Meanwhile, former Trinamool Congress minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury said discussions regarding the mosque’s future arrangements are already underway and called for an amicable solution. He highlighted the mosque’s long history, stating that it has existed at the location for over a century and that dialogue should continue to resolve any concerns.
The issue has brought attention to the balance between preserving historical religious sites and maintaining security protocols at sensitive locations such as international airports.
