Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday formally opened the newly constructed terminal building at Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati, marking a significant upgrade to Assam’s aviation infrastructure. Built with an investment of around ₹4,000 crore, the terminal stands out as India’s first airport facility designed around a nature-inspired theme.

After unveiling the terminal, the Prime Minister toured the premises and also inaugurated an 80-foot statue of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi, Assam’s first chief minister, after whom the airport is named.

Addressing the gathering, Modi said world-class airports and modern infrastructure act as catalysts for economic growth, tourism and employment. He remarked that Assam is entering a new phase of development, adding that long-pending aspirations of the state and the Northeast are now being fulfilled.

The Prime Minister also took a swipe at previous Congress-led governments, stating that for decades, Assam and the broader northeastern region did not figure prominently in their development priorities. He said current progress reflects a commitment to balanced growth and justice for the region.

Once fully operational, the new terminal is expected to handle more than 13 million passengers annually, making it the largest airport terminal in Northeast India. Officials said the overall project outlay stands at nearly ₹5,000 crore, which includes about ₹1,000 crore earmarked for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities.

The expanded airport is envisioned as a key aviation hub for the Northeast and a strategic gateway connecting India with Southeast Asia. Developed by Adani Airports Holdings Limited, the terminal’s architecture incorporates bamboo accents and orchid-inspired design elements, highlighting Assam’s cultural and natural heritage.

Authorities noted that the project was executed through close coordination between the central and state governments. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier sanctioned ₹116.2 crore for improving access roads to the terminal and personally reviewed the infrastructure works.

A day ahead of the inauguration, Modi had shared glimpses of the terminal on social media, describing it as a significant boost to Assam’s infrastructure and stating that enhanced airport capacity would strengthen trade, tourism and overall quality of life in the region.