Key Highlights
Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about the Kalyan Airstrip:
- The Kalyan Airstrip is currently defunct and is not operational for any commercial or civil aviation flights.
- Historically, it was a Royal Air Force (RAF) station during World War II, serving the Bombay region.
- Located in Nevali village near Kalyan, Maharashtra, the site is owned by the Ministry of Defence.
- Proposals to develop it into a second international airport for the Mumbai region were considered but ultimately dropped.
- The closest major operational airport is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai.
Introduction
Have you ever heard of an airport that played a crucial role in wartime but now lies silent? Tucked away in Maharashtra, the Kalyan Airport, more accurately known as the Kalyan Airstrip, holds a fascinating chapter in India’s aviation history. While it’s not a destination you can book a flight to today, its story is intertwined with the development of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This guide explores its past, present status, and its relationship with the bustling Mumbai airport.
Overview of Kalyan Airport’s Location and Background
The Kalyan Airstrip is more than just an abandoned piece of land; it’s a site with a rich history and a specific geographical placement within Maharashtra, India. Before the airfields at Juhu and Santa Cruz became prominent, Kalyan served as a primary landing ground for the region.
Understanding its location and historical context is key to appreciating its significance. Let’s look closer at where it is situated and the roles it played in the past.
Geographical Placement within Maharashtra
The Kalyan Airstrip is situated in Nevali village, which lies about 6 kilometers south of the Kalyan railway station in Maharashtra. This places it within the larger Mumbai Metropolitan Region, making its location a topic of strategic interest for decades. Specifically, it is 55 kilometers north of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.
Its placement is near the urban centers of the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation. The site is accessible from major roadways, including State Highway 2 and National Highway 160, which connects Thane and Nashik. This proximity to a major city like Mumbai and new developments in areas like Navi Mumbai once made it a candidate for future aviation projects.
Though now defunct, its coordinates are 19°10′27.8″N latitude and 073°08′10.8″E longitude. This precise geographical placement defines its relationship with the surrounding developed and developing areas of Maharashtra.
Historical Significance and Previous Uses
The Kalyan Airstrip has a significant place in India’s military and aviation history. Before the development of other airfields, it was a primary landing zone for Bombay (now Mumbai) as early as 1920. Its most prominent role, however, came during World War II.
From 1942 to 1947, the site operated as RAF Kalyan, a Royal Air Force station providing crucial air cover for the Bombay region. During this period, it hosted several fighter squadrons and support units, including those flying Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Tempest aircraft. The base was essential for defending the strategically important port city.
After the war and India’s independence, the airfield was abandoned, and ownership of the more than 1,800-acre land was transferred to the Ministry of Defence. Its past as a key military installation is a stark contrast to its quiet, encroached state today.
Current Status of the Kalyan Airstrip
So, what is the situation at the Kalyan Airstrip today? If you’re hoping to catch a flight from here, you’ll be disappointed. The airstrip is defunct and not used for any form of civil aviation. The land, though owned by the Ministry of Defence, faces challenges like encroachment.
The current operational status and future prospects tell a story of what could have been. Below, we’ll examine its accessibility and recent discussions about its potential revival.
Operational Status and Accessibility
To be clear, the Kalyan Airstrip is not open for commercial flights or any other aviation activity. It is a defunct airport with no IATA or ICAO codes, which are essential for operating airports. Its two runways, each once 6,000 feet long, are now in a state of disrepair and have been partially taken over by dirt roads used by nearby villages.
The site has faced significant encroachment over the years, with locals settling on parts of the vast 1,800-acre land. In response, the Indian Navy began constructing a boundary wall in 2017 to protect the remaining property. The move was met with protests from local farmers and residents.
Therefore, while you can technically visit the area, it is not an accessible or functional piece of aviation infrastructure. It remains a historical site under the ownership of the Ministry of Defence, with no operational capacity.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
There was a time when the Kalyan airport was considered a serious contender for the future of aviation in the Mumbai region. In 2006, the Maharashtra government proposed it as a potential site for a second international airport to ease the load on the congested Mumbai airport. The site had advantages, including a large, relatively flat area free of coastal regulations.
However, these plans never came to fruition. The proposal faced several hurdles, including opposition from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, which preferred the Navi Mumbai site. A major roadblock appeared in 2007 when the National Security Advisor cited safety concerns due to a Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) lab being built nearby.
Ultimately, with farmer protests and the government securing all approvals for the Navi Mumbai International Airport, the idea of developing the Kalyan airstrip was dropped in 2014. As of now, there are no active plans for its revival as a major airport.
Access and Connectivity to Nearby Airports
Since the Kalyan Airstrip is non-operational, you’ll need to rely on other airports for air travel. The good news is that Kalyan is well-connected to several major airports, most notably the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Understanding your options for reaching these hubs is essential for planning your travel from the Kalyan region. Let’s explore the nearest airports and how you can get to them.
Nearest Operational Airports and Transportation Options
The primary airport serving the region is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai, located approximately 55 km away. This is the main international and domestic hub for the entire metropolitan area. Another major airport is in Pune, which is a few hours’ drive from Kalyan.
Once the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) becomes operational, it will provide another crucial air travel option, located closer to Kalyan than the existing Mumbai airport. For regional connectivity, airports in Nashik and Surat are also accessible by road.
As the Kalyan Airstrip is defunct, it does not have an airport code. Here are the details for the nearest operational airports:
| Airport Name | IATA Code | Approximate Distance from Kalyan |
|---|---|---|
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Intl. Airport | BOM | 55 km (34 miles) |
| Navi Mumbai International Airport | NMI | Approx. 35 km (22 miles) |
| Pune Airport | PNQ | Approx. 140 km (87 miles) |
| Nashik Airport | ISK | Approx. 145 km (90 miles) |
Transport Options Between Kalyan and Mumbai
If you need to travel from Kalyan to the Mumbai airport, you have several reliable transport options at your disposal. The journey is a common one for residents and visitors in the region, connecting this important suburban hub to the main international gateway.
Choosing the right mode of transport depends on your budget, timing, and convenience. Let’s break down the different ways you can make the trip.
Road, Rail, and Public Transit Links
Navigating the route between Kalyan and Mumbai is straightforward thanks to a robust network of roads and railways. The most popular and economical option is the Mumbai suburban railway network, also known as the local train.
Kalyan is a major junction on the Central Railway line, offering frequent services that connect to stations near the airport. From a station like Ghatkopar or Kurla, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the airport terminals. This combination is often the fastest way to beat Mumbai’s notorious road traffic.
For those who prefer traveling by road, several options are available:
- Taxis and Ride-Hailing: Services like Ola and Uber are widely available for a direct and comfortable trip to the airport.
- Private Cars: You can drive via the Eastern Express Highway, though travel times can be unpredictable.
- Buses: Various public and private bus services connect Kalyan to different parts of Mumbai.
Travel Times and Convenience Factors
The journey of roughly 55 km from Kalyan to the Mumbai airport can vary significantly in duration. By road, travel times can range from 1.5 to over 2.5 hours, depending heavily on the time of day and traffic conditions. Peak hours in the morning and evening often see major congestion, so it’s wise to plan with extra buffer time.
For a more predictable journey, the train is often a better bet. The rail portion might take about an hour, with an additional 20-30 minutes for the final leg to the airport via road. This combination offers a good balance of speed and cost-effectiveness. The convenience of each option depends on your luggage, group size, and personal preference for comfort versus speed.
Because the Kalyan Airstrip is no longer in use, you won’t find conventional, up-to-date airport information like flight schedules or terminal statuses. Information about the site is historical and related to its land status, which can be found in government records or news archives.
Conclusion
Kalyan Airport is a vital hub in Maharashtra, offering accessibility and modern facilities that cater to both travelers and the region’s growth. With its strategic location, it serves as a convenient gateway to nearby cities and enhances connectivity within the area. Understanding the current operational status and transport options available between Kalyan and Mumbai can significantly ease your travel plans. As developments continue, Kalyan Airport promises to play an increasingly important role in the region’s aviation landscape. Whether you are planning your next trip or simply exploring options, remember that this airport is gearing up to meet your travel needs effectively. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out for more information!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kalyan airport open for commercial flights?
No, the Kalyan Airstrip is not open for commercial flights. It is a defunct, non-operational airfield. The site is owned by India’s Ministry of Defence and is not part of the country’s civil aviation infrastructure, so no passenger or cargo services are available.
What are the nearest airports to Kalyan?
The nearest major operational airport to Kalyan is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai. The upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) will be another close option once it is operational. Other accessible airports include those in Pune (PNQ) and Nashik (ISK).
Are there any plans to develop Kalyan airport further?
While there were past proposals to develop the Kalyan Airstrip into a second international airport for the Mumbai region, these plans were dropped. Due to security concerns and the advancement of the Navi Mumbai airport project, there are no active plans for its future aviation development.