During World War II, the Alipore Airfield served as a major base for the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the United States Army Air Force (USAAF). It was more than just an "ad hoc" strip; it was a fully functional aerodrome with massive hangars and concrete runways.


The Alipore Aerodrome (RAF Alipore), Calcutta

The airfield was located near what is today the Alipore, New Alipore area and parts of the Alipore Zoological Gardens.

The "Hump" Connection: Alipore was a critical staging point for "The Hump" operations, where Allied aircraft flew over the Himalayas to supply Chinese forces fighting the Japanese.

Heavy Bombers: Unlike the narrow Red Road which hosted light fighters like Spitfires, the Alipore airfield was large enough to handle heavy bombers like the B-24 Liberators and B-25 Mitchells.

Coastal Defense: It also hosted squadrons of Beaufighters and Wellington bombers used for maritime reconnaissance and night fighting to protect the Calcutta Docks from Japanese raids.

The India Government Mint (Alipore) and the Command Hospital stand on or very near the grounds once occupied by the aerodrome.

The Layout of RAF Alipore (1942–1945)

The airfield featured a classic WWII "triangular" or "A-frame" configuration, which was standard for RAF bases to allow for landings regardless of wind direction.

The Main Runway: The primary runway ran roughly North-South. In today’s map, this corresponds almost exactly with the long, straight stretch of Diamond Harbour Road and the area around the Command Hospital (Eastern Command).

The Secondary Runway: This diagonal strip intersected the main one. Its path is preserved today by Nalina Ranjan Avenue and parts of Sahapur Road. If you look at a modern satellite map of New Alipore, you will notice these roads are unusually wide and diagonal compared to the standard grid—this is because they were built directly over the old concrete taxiways and runways.

The Hangars & Technical Area: These were located toward the eastern side of the field, near what is now the Alipore Mint and the Alipore Zoo. The large open spaces of the Agri-Horticultural Society were also part of the airfield's perimeter.

Pic: De Havilland Mosquito - RAF Alipore
Spitfire at RAF Alipore






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