Guwahati, Dec 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the new terminal building of the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport in Guwahati, marking a historic milestone for Assam’s aviation sector. Built at a cost of approximately ₹4,000 crore, the terminal is India’s first “nature-themed” airport, designed to serve as a gateway to Southeast Asia and significantly expand passenger capacity in the Northeast.
The new terminal building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport will boost connectivity, commerce and tourism across Assam and entire Northeast.
https://t.co/jRJdcJIOSB— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 20, 2025
Spread across 1.4 lakh square metres, the integrated terminal is equipped to handle up to 1.3 crore passengers annually, addressing the region’s rising travel demand.
Modi said the terminal would boost connectivity, commerce and tourism across Assam and the entire Northeast. “Modern airports and advanced connectivity serve as gateways to new possibilities for any state,” he said. “This new terminal is a major boost to Assam’s infrastructure. Increased capacity means better ease of living and a significant lift for commerce and tourism.”
Witness Assam’s aviation transformation ✈️
The Integrated Terminal of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport- officially inaugurated by Adarniya Shri @narendramodi ji.#PMModiInAssam pic.twitter.com/FOAadvhinP
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) December 20, 2025
A terminal inspired by nature
The structure draws deeply from the ecology and culture of the region, developed under the architectural theme “Bamboo Orchids.” Key design highlights include:
57 orchid-inspired columns shaped like the kopou phool (foxtail orchid), Assam’s state flower.
A pioneering use of 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced bamboo, reflecting traditional craftsmanship.
Decorative motifs featuring the one-horned rhino, traditional japi, and landscapes inspired by Kaziranga.
The terminal’s most striking feature — the “Sky Forest” — includes nearly one lakh indigenous plants, creating an immersive indoor forest experience for passengers.
The Prime Minister said the design blends development with identity. “Bamboo is integral to the life and tradition of Assam. Earlier, bamboo was classified as a tree and its use was restricted. We changed its category to grass, enabling commercial expansion,” he noted.
Digital, secure and future-ready
The state-of-the-art terminal introduces multiple technology-driven facilities, including:
DigiYatra-based contactless and paperless travel
Full-body scanners for quicker, non-intrusive security checks
Automated baggage systems
AI-supported operations and seamless immigration clearance
The facility is expected to be fully operational for domestic and international services by March 2026, while the existing terminal will be converted into a dedicated cargo hub.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were present during the inauguration.
The Bamboo Orchids Themed Terminal at Guwahati Airport marks a pivotal moment for the Northeast by advancing India’s Act East vision through direct connectivity with Southeast Asia. It reinforces the region’s role as a gateway for trade, tourism and cultural exchange with the… pic.twitter.com/9khYeOCqBD
— Adani Group (@AdaniOnline) December 20, 2025
‘Vikas Utsav’ for the Northeast
Modi described the event as a “Vikas Utsav” not only for Assam but for the entire Northeast. “Just like the waves of the mighty Brahmaputra, the waves of development under the double-engine government never stop,” he said, asserting that the region has now emerged as India’s “new eastern gateway” to Southeast Asia.
He cited the construction of four major Brahmaputra bridges in the past decade — compared to three between Independence and 2014 — and the rapid expansion of the rail network, claiming the Northeast is undergoing an unprecedented connectivity transformation.
The Prime Minister also used the occasion to sharply criticise the Congress, accusing it of neglecting the region’s infrastructure needs and obstructing development. He alleged that decades of Congress rule fuelled unrest, while recent peace efforts have transformed former conflict-hit areas into industrial zones.
Calling for continued public support, Modi urged people to guard against what he described as political attempts to derail progress. “We have to stop the derailment of Assam’s development and foil these conspiracies,” he said.
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