Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the new terminal building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport in Guwahati today, marking a major milestone for aviation infrastructure in the Northeast. Built at an estimated cost of around Rs 4,000 crore, the facility is being projected as the largest airport terminal in the region and a key boost to connectivity, tourism and economic activity in Assam.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive in Guwahati around 3 pm as part of his two-day visit to the state.

Northeast’s largest airport terminal takes shape in Guwahati

The newly constructed terminal is nearly seven times larger than the existing one and has been designed to cater to the region’s rapidly growing air traffic. Once fully operational, it is expected to handle up to 13.1 million passengers annually by 2032.

Officials said the terminal is planned as a regional connectivity hub, with a focus on strengthening air links between India and Southeast Asia. The airport will be capable of handling up to 34 air traffic movements per hour, the highest capacity among airports in the Northeast. The facility will also be equipped with one of the most advanced Instrument Landing Systems to support safer and more efficient operations.

Nature-inspired design rooted in Assam’s identity

What sets the Guwahati terminal apart is its distinctive nature-themed architecture. Conceptualised under the theme “Bamboo Orchids”, it is being described as India’s first airport terminal inspired entirely by natural and cultural elements.

The interiors draw from the landscapes of Northeast India, with design elements reflecting indigenous orchids, locally known as Kopou Phool, and the flow of the Brahmaputra river. The terminal incorporates more than 2,000 species of plants, includes a dedicated zone inspired by Kaziranga National Park, and features artefacts representing Majuli Island.

A key architectural highlight is the expansive bamboo vault, created using around 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced bamboo. The space has been envisioned as a multifunctional cultural centre aimed at encouraging community interaction and showcasing the region’s heritage. Design elements such as japi motifs, the iconic rhino symbol and 57 orchid-inspired columns further reinforce the cultural narrative.

Arriving passengers will also experience a unique “Sky Forest”, featuring nearly one lakh plants of indigenous species, designed to create an immersive forest-like ambience within the terminal.

Focus on digital integration and passenger convenience

Spread over nearly 1.4 lakh square metres, the integrated new terminal has been designed to handle around 1.3 crore passengers annually. It is supported by significant upgrades to the runway, airfield systems, aprons and taxiways.

The terminal places strong emphasis on digital integration, with 14 entry points, including four DigiYatra gates, aimed at easing passenger movement. Facilities such as full-body scanners for non-intrusive security checks, automated baggage handling systems, fast-track immigration and AI-driven airport operations have been incorporated to ensure smoother travel experiences.

Other engagements during PM Modi’s Assam visit

During his two-day stay, the Prime Minister will also lay foundation stones for multiple development projects and address public gatherings. He is scheduled to visit the Swahid Smarak Kshetra to pay tribute to the martyrs of the historic Assam Movement.

Later in the day, PM Modi will perform the bhoomipujan for a new brownfield Ammonia-Urea Fertiliser Project at Namrup in Dibrugarh district, within the existing premises of the Brahmaputra Valley Fertiliser Corporation Limited.