Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Terminal 2 at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati on Saturday, marking a major milestone for aviation in Northeast India. Built at a cost of Rs 5,000 crore, including Rs 1,000 crore for dedicated maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, the terminal is designed to handle 13.1 million passengers annually. Modi also unveiled an 80-foot statue of Assam’s first chief minister outside the airport.
The terminal, spanning 1.4 lakh square metres, is the country’s first “nature-themed” airport, drawing inspiration from Assam’s biodiversity and cultural heritage. Named ‘The Bamboo Orchids’, its design reflects the iconic kopou phool (foxtail orchid) and indigenous bamboo varieties such as Bholuka from Assam and Apatani from Arunachal Pradesh. Fifty-seven columns shaped like foxtail orchid bouquets, lush Kaziranga-inspired landscapes, and a ‘sky forest’ with one lakh plants from 100 local species create an immersive, eco-friendly environment. Traditional Assamese elements, including japis and rhino motifs, are integrated throughout the terminal, combining cultural identity with modern technology and sustainability.
Equipped with DigiYatra-enabled passenger processing, smart check-in systems, automated tray retrieval, and self-service information kiosks, the terminal promises a seamless passenger experience. Innovations such as parking-area check-ins, Fast Track Immigration for Indian and OCI cardholders, and naturally lit interiors enhance both convenience and efficiency. The existing terminal will be converted into a cargo hub, supporting integrated domestic and international supply chains.
Officials highlighted that the new terminal positions Guwahati as a critical aviation hub for all eight northeastern states and a gateway to Southeast Asia. It aims to boost connectivity to the region’s tea gardens, wildlife reserves, riverine landscapes, living-root bridges, and hill tourism destinations. Operations are managed by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd under Guwahati International Airport Ltd, with full readiness ensured through a comprehensive Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) program, supported by experts from Munich, Germany.
Passenger traffic at Guwahati airport reached 6.5 million in 2024-25, reflecting strong growth in regional aviation demand. By 2032, the new terminal is expected to handle 13.1 million passengers annually, combining state-of-the-art infrastructure, sustainability, and cultural integration to set a new benchmark for airport design in India.
This project demonstrates how modern infrastructure can honor local heritage while serving as a catalyst for economic growth and enhanced connectivity in Northeast India.
