Source link : https://capital-cities.info/2025/06/09/africa/algeria/how-red-road-in-the-heart-of-kolkata-transformed-into-a-wwii-airstrip/
Kolkata’s Red Road: From Urban Boulevard to Wartime Airstrip During World War II
Kolkata’s famed Red Road, traditionally a vibrant venue for public events and parades, underwent a remarkable transformation during World War II. Amid the intensifying global conflict, this bustling city street was temporarily converted into an airstrip to support Allied military operations in South Asia. This article uncovers the fascinating story behind this unexpected adaptation, highlighting Kolkata’s strategic importance and the profound impact on its residents during one of history’s most turbulent eras.
Wartime Transformation: Red Road’s Role as a Vital Airbase
In the early 1940s, as World War II expanded across continents, Kolkata found itself at a crucial juncture due to its geographic positioning and infrastructure. The British Indian administration repurposed Red Road—a wide boulevard originally designed for ceremonial marches—into an improvised airstrip. This shift was driven by several key considerations:
- Strategic Advantage: Its close proximity to Kolkata Port allowed rapid deployment of aircraft supporting naval and ground forces.
- Existing Infrastructure: The broad expanse of Red Road provided an ideal flat surface that required minimal modification for aircraft landings and takeoffs.
- Military Urgency: With increasing threats from Japanese advances in Southeast Asia, establishing additional airfields became imperative.
This conversion enabled efficient troop…
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Author : Victoria Jones
Publish date : 2025-06-09 22:23:00
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