PM Modi to Inaugurate India’s First Nature-Themed Airport Terminal in Assam, Marking Major Boost to Northeast Connectivity

Guwahati, Dec 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the newly built terminal of the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport in Guwahati on Friday, marking the launch of India’s first nature-themed airport terminal. The inauguration is part of the Prime Minister’s two-day visit to Assam, during which he is also scheduled to lay foundation stones for several development projects and attend public programmes. The new terminal, built at an estimated cost of around ₹4,000 crore, is being described as the largest airport terminal in Northeast India. PM Modi is expected to arrive in Guwahati at around 3 pm to formally open the facility. Officials say the terminal is a major step toward improving air connectivity, boosting tourism, and supporting economic growth in the region. Designed to meet the growing aviation needs of the Northeast, the new terminal is nearly seven times larger than the existing one. Once fully operational, it is expected to handle up to 13.1 million passengers annually by 2032. The terminal is also envisioned as a key regional hub, strengthening air links between India and Southeast Asia. It will be capable of handling up to 34 air traffic movements per hour, the highest capacity in the region, and will be equipped with one of the most advanced Instrument Landing Systems to support safe operations in challenging weather conditions. What has drawn the most attention, however, is the terminal’s distinctive design. The architecture and interiors are inspired by the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Northeast India. Built around the theme “Bamboo Orchids,” the terminal celebrates elements deeply connected to Assam and the region, making it India’s first airport terminal with a nature-based design concept. The interiors highlight rare orchids native to the Northeast, locally known as Kopou Phool, and reflect the warmth and texture of bamboo. The design also draws inspiration from the flowing Brahmaputra river and the diverse landscapes of the region. More than 2,000 plant species have been incorporated into the terminal, along with a dedicated zone inspired by Kaziranga National Park and artefacts representing Majuli Island. One of the most striking features of the terminal is its large bamboo vault, which gives the building a unique identity. Bamboo, considered a cultural symbol of the Northeast, has been widely used throughout the structure. Around 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced bamboo have gone into the construction. The vault area has been designed as a multifunctional cultural space aimed at promoting community engagement and cultural exchange. Other design elements include Kaziranga-inspired green landscapes, traditional japi motifs, the iconic one-horned rhino symbol, and 57 columns inspired by orchid flowers. A special “Sky Forest,” featuring nearly one lakh indigenous plants, offers arriving passengers an immersive experience that resembles walking through a forest. The new integrated terminal building spreads over nearly 1.4 lakh square metres and is designed to handle up to 1.3 crore passengers per year. Alongside the terminal, major upgrades have been carried out to the runway, airfield systems, aprons, and taxiways to support increased traffic. The terminal places strong emphasis on digital integration and passenger convenience. It has 14 entry points, including four DigiYatra gates, to ease passenger movement. Facilities such as full-body scanners for quicker security checks, automated baggage handling systems, fast-track immigration, and AI-driven airport operations are aimed at making travel smoother and more efficient. During his visit, PM Modi will also visit the Swahid Smarak Kshetra to pay tribute to martyrs of the historic Assam Movement. Later in the day, he will perform the bhoomipujan for a new brownfield Ammonia-Urea Fertiliser Project at Namrup in Dibrugarh, within the premises of the Brahmaputra Valley Fertiliser Corporation Limited. The inauguration of the new terminal is being seen as a landmark moment for Assam, symbolising growth, improved infrastructure, and a stronger connection between the Northeast and the rest of the world. PM Modi to Inaugurate India’s First Nature-Themed Airport Terminal in Assam, Marking Major Boost to Northeast Connectivity Assam is set to witness a major infrastructure milestone today as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the new terminal building of the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. The inauguration, part of the Prime Minister’s two-day visit to the state, marks the opening of India’s first nature-themed airport terminal and the largest airport terminal in Northeast India. Built at an estimated cost of ₹4,000 crore, the new terminal is nearly seven times bigger than the existing one and is designed to meet the growing travel needs of the region. Once fully operational, it is expected to handle over 13 million passengers every year and serve as a key connectivity hub linking the Northeast with the rest of India and Southeast Asia. What makes the terminal truly unique is its design. Created around the theme “Bamboo Orchids,” the architecture celebrates the cultural and natural heritage of Northeast India. The interiors feature rare orchids native to the region, bamboo textures, and design elements inspired by the Brahmaputra river. Over 2,000 plant species are part of the terminal, along with zones inspired by Kaziranga National Park and artefacts representing Majuli Island. A standout feature is the massive bamboo vault made using about 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced bamboo. The terminal also includes orchid-inspired columns, traditional japi motifs, and the iconic rhino symbol. A “Sky Forest” with nearly one lakh indigenous plants offers passengers a calm, forest-like experience upon arrival. The terminal is spread across nearly 1.4 lakh square metres and is equipped with modern digital facilities, including DigiYatra gates, automated baggage handling, full-body scanners, fast-track immigration, and AI-driven operations for smooth travel. The project is being seen as a major boost for tourism, connectivity, and economic growth in Assam and the entire Northeast.