Guwahati – Prime Minister Narendra Modi today opened the new integrated terminal building at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. This is India’s first airport terminal built around a nature theme. He also unveiled a grand statue of Assam’s first Chief Minister, Bharat Ratna Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi, right outside the airport.
The new terminal is a big step forward for air travel in the Northeast. It spreads over 1.4 lakh square meters and can handle more than 13 million passengers every year. This makes it the largest terminal in the entire Northeast region. The project cost around Rs 4,000 to 5,000 crore and was built by the Adani Group.
A Terminal Inspired by Assam’s Nature and Culture
People call this terminal “Bamboo Orchids” because its design comes from Assam’s rich forests and flowers. Builders used over 140 tonnes of bamboo from the Northeast, like Bholuka bamboo from Assam and Apatani bamboo from Arunachal Pradesh. You will see motifs of the foxtail orchid, known as kopou phool in Assamese, which is a symbol of beauty and strength in the region.
Inside, there are green plants, sky forests, and open spaces with lots of natural light. The roof and pillars look like trees and bamboo groves. This mix of modern facilities with local touches makes it special. It is not just an airport; it feels like a welcome to Assam’s biodiversity and traditions.
The terminal has the latest features to make travel easy. There are DigiYatra gates for contactless entry, full-body scanners, automated baggage systems, AI for operations, and fast immigration. During busy hours, it can manage thousands of passengers smoothly. Officials say it will help Guwahati become a main hub for flights to Northeast India and Southeast Asia.
Prime Minister Modi took a walk through the terminal after the opening. He said, “Stepping into this new airport terminal clearly reflects the true meaning of development along with heritage.” He added that the design shows Assam’s natural and cultural identity.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the day historic. He said the new terminal will boost connectivity, tourism, and jobs across the Northeast. “This airport will not only strengthen Assam but also give fresh momentum to the entire region,” he told the gathering.
Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, thanked the Prime Minister for the inauguration. He said the terminal is a model of fast building while staying true to local roots.
Honouring Gopinath Bordoloi with a Grand Statue
Along with the terminal, PM Modi unveiled a tall bronze statue of Gopinath Bordoloi. Sources mention heights from 28 feet to 80 feet, but it is a large structure placed at the airport entrance. Famous sculptor Ram Sutar, who passed away recently, made it.
Gopinath Bordoloi was Assam’s first Chief Minister after Independence. He played a key role in keeping Assam part of India during Partition. Back then, there was a plan under the Cabinet Mission to group provinces, which could have put Assam in East Pakistan. Bordoloi strongly opposed this, even going against some leaders in his own Congress party. With help from Mahatma Gandhi and others, he made sure Assam stayed in India.
PM Modi praised Bordoloi in his speech. He said, “Gopinath Bordoloi had saved Assam before Independence.” The Prime Minister noted that Bordoloi stood firm against plans to merge Assam with East Pakistan. He also said the BJP honoured Bordoloi by giving him the Bharat Ratna posthumously under Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government.
Chief Minister Sarma called it “from one statesman to another.” He said Bordoloi was the builder of modern Assam and his statue at the airport gate is a fitting tribute.
PM Modi’s Strong Words on Development and Past Neglect
In his address to a large crowd, PM Modi called the day a “festival of development” for Assam and the Northeast. He said modern airports open doors to new opportunities and build trust in people.
He highlighted how the BJP government is fixing old mistakes. “For decades, Congress governments ignored Assam and the Northeast. They never put development here on their priority list,” he said. Modi added that earlier leaders even asked why build good roads or airports in this region.
Now, he said, things are changing fast under the double-engine government – BJP at Centre and in Assam. Roads, railways, waterways, and airports are coming up quickly. Cargo on the Brahmaputra river has gone up by 140 percent. New trains like Vande Bharat are cutting travel time.
The Prime Minister spoke about his personal bond with Assam. “The love from people here, especially mothers and sisters, keeps inspiring me,” he said.
He also touched on security issues. Modi accused past Congress rule of protecting infiltrators who took land and forests, hurting Assam’s identity. He said the current government is working to make Assam free from such problems through legal steps.
Boost for Tourism and Economy
The new terminal is expected to bring more tourists to Assam. Places like Kaziranga National Park, Kamakhya Temple, and Majuli island will be easier to reach. More flights mean better business ties too.
Officials say the airport will help the Act East Policy, connecting India better with Southeast Asian countries.
Reactions from Leaders
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu praised the nature theme and modern tech. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was also present.
On the other side, some Congress leaders have in the past questioned claims about their party’s role in Assam’s history. But today focused on the positive event.
What This Means for the Northeast
This inauguration is part of bigger plans for the region. PM Modi said Assam and the Northeast are becoming India’s growth gateway. With better airports, the area can lead in tourism, trade, and jobs.
The event ended with cheers from thousands who gathered. Many waved flags and flashed phone lights when the Prime Minister asked them to light up the moment.
As flights start using the new terminal soon, travellers will get a beautiful first look at Assam’s spirit – green, welcoming, and proud.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the capacity of the new Guwahati airport terminal?
The new integrated terminal can handle 13.1 million passengers per year. This is a big jump from the old one and makes it the largest in the Northeast.
Why is it called a nature-themed terminal?
It is India’s first airport designed around nature. The theme “Bamboo Orchids” uses local bamboo and orchid flowers in the building. There are green walls, tree-like pillars, and motifs from Assam’s forests to show the state’s biodiversity.
Who built the new terminal?
The Adani Group developed and operates it through Guwahati International Airport Limited. The project cost Rs 4,000-5,000 crore, including money for maintenance facilities.
What is the height of the Gopinath Bordoloi statue?
It is a grand bronze statue, described as 28 to 80 feet tall in different reports, placed at the airport entrance. Renowned sculptor Ram Sutar created it.
Why is Gopinath Bordoloi important for Assam?
He was the first Chief Minister after Independence and a freedom fighter. Bordoloi stopped plans during Partition that could have made Assam part of East Pakistan. He fought for Assam to stay in India, even against some in his party.
What did PM Modi say about Congress in his speech?
He said Congress neglected the Northeast for decades and did not care about its development. Modi claimed they protected infiltrators, hurting Assam’s security. He said BJP is correcting those old mistakes.
When will the new terminal start full operations?
Operations are expected to begin soon after the inauguration, with full use in the coming months.
How will this help tourism in Assam?
More passenger capacity means more flights and visitors. It will make it easier to reach places like Kamakhya Temple and wildlife parks, boosting jobs and the economy.