Guwahati, Assam : Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new terminal building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati, calling it a milestone in Assam’s connectivity and economic expansion. The Prime Minister described the occasion as a “festival of development” for Assam and the Northeast, noting that the new facility reflects both progress and heritage.
A Symbol of Assam’s Growth
Addressing the gathering, Modi highlighted his long‑standing bond with Assam and the Northeast, saying the affection of the people continues to inspire him. He remarked that the new terminal represents another chapter in the state’s development journey. Drawing inspiration from Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika’s words, he said the project symbolizes breaking barriers and illuminating new paths of progress, much like the unstoppable flow of the Brahmaputra River.
Honoring Assam’s Legacy
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister unveiled a statue of Gopinath Bardoloi, Assam’s first Chief Minister. He praised Bardoloi’s role in safeguarding Assam’s identity and interests, noting that his legacy continues to inspire future generations. Modi recalled that Bardoloi was honored with the Bharat Ratna during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, underscoring his contribution to the state and the nation.
Modern Infrastructure for New Opportunities
The Prime Minister emphasized that modern airports and highways act as gateways to opportunity, boosting confidence among citizens and investors alike. He contrasted the current pace of development with past neglect, stating that earlier governments did not prioritize infrastructure in Assam and the Northeast.
With the new terminal, Guwahati Airport’s capacity will rise significantly, enabling it to handle over 1.25 crore passengers annually. Modi noted that this will encourage tourism, facilitate pilgrimages to Maa Kamakhya, and strengthen Assam’s role as a hub of connectivity.
Nature‑Inspired Design
The terminal has been designed to reflect Assam’s culture and environment. Features include:
- Indoor greenery and forest‑like arrangements to create a sense of calm for passengers.
- Extensive use of bamboo, symbolizing strength and beauty, and highlighting its importance in Assamese life.
- Kaziranga‑inspired landscapes, japi motifs, rhino symbols, and orchid‑shaped columns that celebrate the region’s biodiversity.
- A unique “Sky Forest” with nearly one lakh indigenous plants, offering travelers an immersive experience.
Modi recalled the government’s 2017 amendment to the Indian Forest Act, which reclassified bamboo grown outside forests as grass, enabling its wider use in projects such as this terminal.
Infrastructure Driving Economic Power
The Prime Minister stressed that infrastructure development boosts industries, builds investor confidence, and opens pathways for local products to reach global markets. He said the greatest beneficiaries are the youth, who gain new opportunities through improved connectivity.
“Assam is advancing on a flight of limitless possibilities,” Modi remarked, adding that the Northeast is becoming India’s new gateway of growth.
Connectivity Revolution in Assam
Highlighting broader progress, Modi pointed to:
- New bridges over the Brahmaputra, including Bogibeel and Dhola‑Sadiya, which have strengthened strategic and transport links.
- Railway upgrades, with the Bogibeel Bridge reducing travel distances and the Vande Bharat Express cutting travel time between Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri.
- Waterways expansion, with cargo traffic rising by 140 percent and new facilities such as a ship repair hub at Pandu.
- Cruise tourism, showcased by the Ganga Vilas Cruise from Varanasi to Dibrugarh, which has put the Northeast on the global tourism map.
Safeguarding Identity and Resources
Modi also emphasized that development is being pursued alongside efforts to protect Assam’s identity and culture. He recalled historical attempts to undermine Assam’s distinctiveness, noting that leaders like Bardoloi resisted such moves. He said the current government, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, is working to free Assam’s resources from illegal encroachments and to stop infiltration that threatens the state’s security and demography.
Looking Ahead
Concluding his address, Modi said the world is looking to India with hope, and the Northeast will play a central role in shaping the country’s future. He expressed confidence that collective efforts will take Assam to new heights and contribute to the vision of a developed India.
Background: The New Terminal
The Integrated New Terminal Building at Guwahati Airport spans 1.4 lakh square metres and is designed to handle up to 1.3 crore passengers annually. It incorporates major upgrades to the runway, aprons, and taxiways.
As India’s first nature‑themed airport terminal, it sets new benchmarks in passenger convenience and digital innovation. Features include:
- Full‑body scanners for faster, non‑intrusive security checks.
- DigiYatra‑enabled contactless travel.
- Automated baggage handling and fast‑track immigration.
- AI‑driven airport operations for seamless journeys.
Conclusion
The inauguration of Guwahati’s new terminal is more than an infrastructure upgrade—it is a statement of intent. By blending modern technology with Assam’s cultural heritage, the project reflects India’s vision of development rooted in identity. For Assam and the Northeast, it marks a step toward becoming a gateway of growth, connectivity, and opportunity.
