Kolkata: The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport, one of India’s oldest, turned 100 this year.
To mark the momentous milestone in Indian aviation history, the Centenary Celebrations logo was unveiled by Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Friday.
“This is a proud moment for all of us, where we are continuing the legacy built by our nation and drawing inspiration from it for future achievements. The airport has catered to crores of passengers and stood as a vital gateway for Bengal and the country through significant historical milestones. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister always says very dearly, ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi’, so this is a proud moment for us,” the minister said about the airport which has “served through various historical periods, representing the pre-Independence struggle, growth of the country post-Independence, and the LPG (Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation) reforms.”
The Minister announced several initiatives as part of the centenary celebrations. A commemorative stamp and coin will be released, an art book showcasing India’s cultural heritage reflected in modern airport architecture, and three-month-long celebrations involving the people of Kolkata and Bengal, along with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) will be organised.
A unique UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) Yatri Cafe will also be set up at Kolkata airport to cater specifically to passengers travelling under the UDAN scheme. The cafe will offer a curated menu with affordable pricing, ensuring that passengers have access to quality food at a cost-effective rate, enhancing their travel experience without compromising on value.
