PM Modi Flags Off New Guwahati Terminal; Highlights Adani’s Northeast Push

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally unveiled the newly constructed terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. The terminal’s completion is notable for its rapid execution, having progressed from initial planning to readiness for operations in less than a year.

Guwahati International Airport Limited carried out the development of the project, while Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) has taken charge of managing airport operations.

Addressing the occasion, Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, stated that the Guwahati terminal highlights the ability to deliver high-quality aviation infrastructure efficiently while reflecting the cultural character of the region.

He further added, “It will strengthen connectivity, support economic growth across the Northeast, and offer passengers a seamless, modern travel experience.”

The wider airport modernisation programme involves a total investment of Rs 5,000 crore, including Rs 1,000 crore allocated specifically for the establishment of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.

Plans are also in place for an integrated domestic and international cargo infrastructure, aimed at boosting trade activity, strengthening logistics networks, and generating employment opportunities across the region.

The inauguration, with commercial services likely to begin by the end of February, highlights how quickly India is now planning, executing, and preparing aviation infrastructure projects for live operations.

Ahead of the opening, project teams implemented a detailed Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) programme.

A specialist team from Munich, Germany, assisted the process, aligning airport systems, staff preparedness, operating procedures and passenger flow plans ahead of the opening.

Architecture and Regional Design Identity

Designed as a contemporary gateway that reflects regional heritage, the terminal, named ‘The Bamboo Orchids’, draws inspiration from Assam’s kopou phool (foxtail orchid) and locally found bamboo species, including Bholuka bamboo from Assam and Apatani bamboo from Arunachal Pradesh.

Approximately 140 metric tonnes of bamboo sourced from the North-East have been incorporated throughout the terminal, placing it among India’s most distinctive examples of nature-inspired airport architecture that combines traditional materials with modern engineering.

The terminal features DigiYatra-enabled passenger processing, advanced check-in facilities and spacious passenger areas, and designs to handle up to 13.1 million passengers annually by 2032.

During the 2024–25 financial year, Guwahati Airport recorded passenger traffic of 6.50 million, reflecting the region’s steadily growing demand for air travel.

The Prime Minister unveiled the terminal’s architectural design in February at the Advantage Assam 2.0 event.