AAI Expands High-Rise Limits Near Kolkata Airport to 20 Km
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

AAI Expands High-Rise Limits Near Kolkata Airport to 20 Km

Following the recent air crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 241 lives including over 20 students from JB Medical College, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued stringent new guidelines for construction near airports across the country. In a significant shift, the AAI has expanded the high-rise clearance zone near Kolkata Airport from 10 to 20 kilometres.

This directive, aimed at enhancing aviation safety, affects municipalities including Bidhannagar, North Dumdum, Madhyamgram, and New Barrackpore, and now impacts parts of Kolkata city as well. These municipal bodies have received official notices requiring mandatory AAI approval for all multi-storey developments within the new 20-kilometre radius.

Traditionally, construction around airports—particularly within the 11-kilometre ‘funnel zone’—has been tightly regulated, limiting buildings to just two storeys in many areas. Wards 26, 27 and 28 of Madhyamgram fall directly within this funnel zone. With the revised guidelines, vertical developments even beyond this inner ring will now need explicit AAI clearance.

The Civil Aviation Ministry is also drafting new regulations that would mandate the demolition of any structure that exceeds the approved height norms. The ministry has based this decision on recent AAI surveys, seeking to eliminate potential hazards along flight paths and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

While the move prioritises passenger safety, it has stirred strong reactions from local leaders. Madhyamgram MLA and West Bengal minister Rathin Ghosh questioned the fairness of retrospective enforcement: “How can buildings with valid NOCs be suddenly marked for demolition?” Bidhannagar MLA Sujit Bose echoed these concerns, asking, “Why was there no action earlier? This abrupt order affects thousands.” Both leaders expressed support for improved aviation safety but stressed the need for fairness in addressing existing legal structures.

Urban planners and real estate developers warn that the new restrictions could significantly disrupt suburban housing projects, complicate ongoing developments, and shake investor confidence. While the new policy may bolster flight safety, it presents immediate challenges for local governance, residents, and builders alike—especially those who had secured approvals under earlier norms.

The updated regulations mark a nationwide shift towards proactive safety planning near airports, placing greater emphasis on airspace protection over rapid urbanisation.


Following the recent air crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 241 lives including over 20 students from JB Medical College, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued stringent new guidelines for construction near airports across the country. In a significant shift, the AAI has expanded the high-rise clearance zone near Kolkata Airport from 10 to 20 kilometres.This directive, aimed at enhancing aviation safety, affects municipalities including Bidhannagar, North Dumdum, Madhyamgram, and New Barrackpore, and now impacts parts of Kolkata city as well. These municipal bodies have received official notices requiring mandatory AAI approval for all multi-storey developments within the new 20-kilometre radius.Traditionally, construction around airports—particularly within the 11-kilometre ‘funnel zone’—has been tightly regulated, limiting buildings to just two storeys in many areas. Wards 26, 27 and 28 of Madhyamgram fall directly within this funnel zone. With the revised guidelines, vertical developments even beyond this inner ring will now need explicit AAI clearance.The Civil Aviation Ministry is also drafting new regulations that would mandate the demolition of any structure that exceeds the approved height norms. The ministry has based this decision on recent AAI surveys, seeking to eliminate potential hazards along flight paths and prevent similar tragedies in the future.While the move prioritises passenger safety, it has stirred strong reactions from local leaders. Madhyamgram MLA and West Bengal minister Rathin Ghosh questioned the fairness of retrospective enforcement: “How can buildings with valid NOCs be suddenly marked for demolition?” Bidhannagar MLA Sujit Bose echoed these concerns, asking, “Why was there no action earlier? This abrupt order affects thousands.” Both leaders expressed support for improved aviation safety but stressed the need for fairness in addressing existing legal structures.Urban planners and real estate developers warn that the new restrictions could significantly disrupt suburban housing projects, complicate ongoing developments, and shake investor confidence. While the new policy may bolster flight safety, it presents immediate challenges for local governance, residents, and builders alike—especially those who had secured approvals under earlier norms.The updated regulations mark a nationwide shift towards proactive safety planning near airports, placing greater emphasis on airspace protection over rapid urbanisation.

Next Story
Technology

Building Faster, Smarter, and Greener!

Backed by ULCCS’s century-old legacy, U-Sphere combines technology, modular design and sustainable practices to deliver faster and more efficient projects. In an interaction with CW, Rohit Prabhakar, Director - Business Development, shares how the company’s integrated model of ‘Speed-Build’, ‘Smart-Build’ and ‘Sustain-Build’ is redefining construction efficiency, quality and environmental responsibility in India.U-Sphere positions itself at the intersection of speed, sustainability and smart design. How does this translate into measurable efficiency on the ground?At U..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Smart Roads, Smarter India

India’s infrastructure boom is not only about laying more kilometres of highways – it’s about building them smarter, safer and more sustainably. From drones mapping fragile Himalayan slopes to 3D machine-controlled graders reducing human error, technology is steadily reshaping the way projects are planned and executed. Yet, the journey towards digitisation remains complex, demanding not just capital but also coordination, training and vision.Until recently, engineers largely depended on Survey of India toposheets and traditional survey methods like total stations or DGPS to prepare detai..

Next Story
Real Estate

What Does DCPR 2034 Mean?

The Maharashtra government has eased approval norms for high-rise buildings under DCPR 2034, enabling the municipal commissioner to sanction projects up to 180 m on large plots. This change is expected to streamline approvals, reduce procedural delays and accelerate redevelopment, drawing reactions from developers, planners and industry experts about its implications for Mumbai’s vertical growth.Under the revised DCPR 2034 rules, buildings on plots of 2,000 sq m or more can now be approved up to 180 m by the municipal commissioner, provided structural and geotechnical reports are certified b..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?