New Delhi: Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Friday unveiled the centenary celebrations logo of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. The event, held at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan in New Delhi, was streamed live in Kolkata, according to an official statement.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister called the unveiling a proud moment for the nation. “This is a moment to celebrate our legacy and draw inspiration for future achievements. Kolkata Airport has catered to crores of passengers and served as a vital gateway for Bengal and the country through significant historical milestones. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister emphasizes ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi,’ and this moment embodies both progress and heritage,” he said.
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The minister also revealed the upcoming launch of the UDAN Yatri Café at Kolkata Airport, which will cater to regional travelers. “This is a step forward in making aviation accessible for all,” he remarked.
Naidu highlighted the unprecedented growth of India’s civil aviation sector over the last decade. He pointed to the expansion of airports, increased passenger capacity, growing airline fleets, and the surge in cargo operations, crediting this transformation to the Prime Minister’s leadership.
“Today, India is the third-largest domestic aviation hub in the world. It’s time to take this forward, break barriers, and aim for the number one spot globally,” the minister said.
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Reflecting on the historical significance of the Kolkata Airport, Naidu noted its role in India’s pre-independence struggle, post-independence development, and the era of liberalization, privatization, and globalization (LPG) reforms. He also emphasized the recent upgrades at the airport, including enhanced capacity, additional services, and world-class infrastructure.
As part of the centenary celebrations, Naidu announced several initiatives to honor the airport’s legacy. These include the release of a commemorative stamp and coin marking 100 years of the airport, the launch of an art book highlighting India’s cultural heritage through airport architecture, and three months of festivities involving the people of Kolkata and Bengal in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
“Special attention has been given to Kolkata Airport over the last five years to transform it into a modern facility that reflects India’s growing aspirations,” the minister added.
