GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the new Bamboo Orchids Terminal at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA) in Guwahati, marking a major milestone for Assam and the Northeast region. Built at an estimated cost of around Rs4,000 crore, the new terminal is being billed as the largest airport terminal in Northeast India and a key driver of regional connectivity, tourism, and economic growth.
The inauguration underscores the Centre’s focus on infrastructure led development in the Northeast and its growing integration with national and global aviation networks. Developed under the stewardship of Guwahati International Airport Limited (GIAL), the Bamboo Orchids Terminal reflects a shift in how modern infrastructure is being conceptualised. Beyond its role as a transit facility, the terminal has been designed as a cultural gateway, offering travellers their first immersive experience of Assam and the wider Northeast.
On the occasion, PM Narendra Modi posted on X: “The new terminal building of the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport will be inaugurated. This is a major boost to Assam’s infrastructure; increased capacity means better ‘Ease of Living’ and a boost for commerce as well as tourism.”
The terminal’s architecture draws inspiration from the region’s natural and cultural heritage, with bamboo motifs and orchid-themed elements symbolising sustainability, biodiversity, and indigenous identity. Officials noted that airports today function as cultural ambassadors, and Guwahati airport—often the first point of contact for visitors to the region—has been consciously designed to tell the story of the land and its people.
Seven times larger than the existing terminal, the new facility is equipped to handle rapidly growing passenger traffic and future aviation demands. It has already attracted widespread attention on social media for its distinctive design and scale. Officials believe the new terminal will significantly enhance connectivity, boost tourism, and create new economic opportunities, further strengthening Guwahati’s role as the primary gateway to Northeast India.
As of FY 2024-25, Guwahati Airport has achieved a passenger traffic milestone of 6.50 million passengers per annum (MPPA). The newly completed Integrated Terminal 2 Building (NITS) has been designed to handle 13.1 MPPA, supported by comprehensive upgrades to airfields, aprons, taxiways and the runway, significantly enhancing operational capacity.
The overall airport project represents an investment of Rs5,000 crore, including Rs1,000 crore earmarked for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, reinforcing Guwahati’s long term aviation and engineering capabilities. Future development plans include the establishment of integrated domestic and international cargo facilities and further expansion of MRO infrastructure, strengthening regional supply chains and accelerating economic growth across the Northeast.
A NEW ERA OF CONNECTIVITY
Assam is entering a transformative phase with the unveiling of a world-class new terminal at LGBIA. This landmark development redefines travel experiences, strengthens Guwahati’s role as the gateway to Northeast India, and supports growth in tourism, trade and regional connectivity.
