In a significant move to aid air travellers, Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport has rolled out a proactive traffic advisory service on its official social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The initiative, which went live on Tuesday, December 17, 2025, is designed to provide passengers with advance warnings about potential disruptions on roads leading to the airport.
How the Alert System Protects Passengers
Airport authorities explained that the system is engineered to prevent thousands of passengers from missing their flights due to unforeseen delays. The airport's IT team actively monitors real-time travel data from several critical approach points. Key locations under surveillance include Ultadanga, Chingrighata Crossing, Salt Lake Sector-V, Barasat, and Howrah. The technology uses data similar to navigation apps like Google Maps to calculate the difference between the normal travel time and the current travel time on these routes.
The core mechanism is trigger-based. If the system detects a delay of 10 to 20 per cent over the usual travel time, an immediate alert is issued on the airport's X handle. This early warning allows passengers ample time to either choose alternative paths or leave their homes earlier to compensate for the lost time.
Comprehensive Coverage for All Scenarios
The alerts are not limited to just traffic congestion. The system is equipped to send out warnings for a variety of conditions that typically hamper travel in the region. This includes heavy rainfall, waterlogging, and the dense winter fog that often blankets Kolkata during this season. The service becomes particularly crucial given the sheer volume of daily footfall at the airport.
Officials noted that approximately 25,000 to 30,000 passengers arrive at the airport daily to board flights, with an additional 5,000 people visiting to drop off or pick up travelers. The monitoring frequency is adjusted based on traffic patterns. On weekdays, checks are performed every five minutes, while during weekends when traffic is relatively lighter, the interval between checks is slightly longer.
Proactive Planning for Peak Disruptions
Recognizing specific high-impact events, the airport has also intensified its focus on periods known for severe traffic snarls. Special attention is paid during political rallies and major festive seasons like Durga Puja, when traffic on vital arteries like VIP Road is heavily impacted. This proactive approach ensures that advisories are most active when they are needed the most.
This traffic alert service complements other recent technological upgrades at the Kolkata airport, such as the completion of the CAT III-B Instrument Landing System (ILS) to help pilots navigate and land safely during low-visibility conditions caused by winter fog. Together, these measures aim to create a more reliable and stress-free travel experience for all passengers departing from one of Eastern India's busiest aviation hubs.
