The New Guwahati Terminal was Opened, and Operations will start by the End of February
With a strict emphasis on operational preparedness, the new terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA) was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in less than a year.
The Prime Minister announced the terminal’s design during Advantage Assam 2.0 in February. With operations anticipated to start by the end of February, its launch highlights how quickly India’s aviation infrastructure is now being planned, constructed, tested, and prepared for live operations. Systems, procedures, staff, and passenger flows are all in line for a safe and smooth opening from day one thanks to a thorough Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) program, which is backed by a knowledgeable visiting team from Munich, Germany.
The terminal, appropriately named “The Bamboo Orchids,” is envisioned as a contemporary entrance with a strong sense of regional identity. It is inspired by indigenous bamboo kinds such Bholuka bamboo from Assam and Apatani bamboo from Arunachal Pradesh, as well as the famous kopou phool (foxtail orchid) of Assam. The architecture embodies the biological and cultural diversity of the Northeast by fusing natural materials, plenty of natural light, and modern design. The terminal has utilised about 140 metric tonnes of bamboo that was sourced locally. Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) is in charge of operations, whereas Guwahati International Airport Limited has developed the project.
Modi explained that the inauguration was a part of a broader Vikas ka Utsav that was taking place in Assam throughout the Northeast, placing it in a broader national context. Under the Act East program, he said, Assam is becoming India’s eastern gateway. The bamboo-rich terminal represents strength, sustainability, and the state’s increasing role in enabling Viksit Bharat as India moves closer to being the third-largest economy in the world.
“The Guwahati terminal demonstrates how world-class airport infrastructure can be delivered swiftly while remaining deeply rooted in local identity,” said Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group, in a statement on the occasion. It will improve connection, promote economic expansion throughout the Northeast, and provide travellers with a smooth, contemporary travel experience.
By 2032, the terminal is expected to accommodate 13.1 million people a year thanks to its DigiYatra-enabled processing, intelligent check-in technologies, and spacious passenger lounges. Guwahati Airport handled 6.50 million passengers in FY 2024–2025, highlighting the region’s growing demand for aviation. As the tenth busiest airport in India at the moment, Guwahati is an essential hub for all eight states in the Northeast.
A total of INR 5,000 crore was invested in the airport’s development, with INR 1,000 crore going towards maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities. It is anticipated that planned integrated domestic and international cargo infrastructure will improve regional trade, logistics, and job creation.
