Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the new terminal building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam. The newly built terminal is India’s first nature-themed airport facility and has been constructed at a cost of Rs 4,000 crore. With an expected capacity of handling over 13 million passengers every year, it is set to become the largest airport terminal in the northeastern region of the country.

After inaugurating the terminal, the Prime Minister also visited the facility and reviewed its features. The airport is named after Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi, Assam’s first Chief Minister. During the event, PM Modi also unveiled an 80-foot statue of Gopinath Bardoloi installed outside the airport premises.

While addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of modern airports and advanced infrastructure for the growth of any state. He said that such facilities open up new opportunities and help accelerate development. Referring to the new terminal, the Prime Minister said that “a new chapter is being added to the development of Assam.” He also stated that the recent developments in the state show that justice has begun to be delivered. During his speech, he criticised the previous Congress government, saying that the development of Assam and the Northeast was not part of its agenda.

The new terminal has been designed to reflect the natural and cultural identity of Assam and the Northeast. It has been developed as a nature-themed terminal, making it the first of its kind in India. The design includes extensive use of bamboo and orchid-based patterns, which are closely associated with the region. These elements have been incorporated to showcase local traditions and the natural beauty of Assam.

According to officials, the total cost of the entire airport project is Rs 5,000 crore. This amount includes Rs 1,000 crore that has been allocated specifically for maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities. These facilities are expected to support aviation operations and improve the overall efficiency of the airport. Officials said that the airport is planned to serve as a major aviation hub for Northeast India and is also expected to function as a gateway to Southeast Asia.

The terminal has been developed by Adani Airports Holdings Limited. Officials noted that the project involved coordination between the central government and the Assam state government. The collaboration ensured the smooth execution of the project and the timely completion of the terminal.

The airport’s increased passenger handling capacity is expected to significantly improve air connectivity in the region. With the ability to handle more than 13 million passengers annually, the terminal is expected to ease congestion and support growing travel demand. It is also expected to benefit tourism, trade, and business activities in Assam and the wider Northeast region.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also been actively involved in the project. He had earlier approved Rs 116.2 crore for the expansion of approach roads leading to the new terminal. The Chief Minister had also reviewed the facilities at the airport during the development phase to ensure that infrastructure needs were being met.

A day before the inauguration, on Friday, Prime Minister Modi shared a preview of the new terminal on the social media platform X. He described the airport terminal as a “major boost to Assam’s infrastructure.” In his post, he said that the increased capacity of the airport would help improve living standards and support commerce and tourism in the state.

Officials believe that the new terminal will play a key role in strengthening Assam’s position in the aviation sector. By improving connectivity and offering modern facilities, the airport is expected to contribute to the region’s economic growth. The nature-themed design is also expected to leave a strong impression on passengers, giving them a glimpse of Assam’s cultural and natural heritage as soon as they arrive.

With the inauguration of this terminal, Guwahati’s Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport is set to enter a new phase of development. The project reflects a focus on infrastructure expansion in the Northeast and aims to support long-term growth, connectivity, and regional development without altering the cultural identity of the state.