changeadminMarking a transformative milestone in Assam’s connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Terminal Building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati on Saturday, 20th December. He appreciated that the airport had been designed with Assam’s natural and cultural heritage in mind.
The newly completed Integrated New Terminal Building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati, spanning nearly 1.4 lakh square metres, is designed to handle up to 1.3 crore passengers annually, supported by major upgrades to the runway, airfield systems, aprons, and taxiways.
Guwahati Airport will be India’s first nature-themed airport terminal. The airport’s design draws inspiration from Assam’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.
An Airport that brings Nature, Culture and Sustainability to the fore
This concept for Guwahati International Airport draws inspiration from Assam’s unique landscapes, cultural heritage, and biodiversity, including the Kaziranga National Park, one of India’s Natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The pillars and arches that support the Airport building draw inspiration from the region’s natural beauty, cultural motifs, flora, and fauna—Assam is home to over 600 orchid species, making it a significant part of the state’s biodiversity.
Centred on the theme “Bamboo Orchids”, Kaziranga-inspired green landscapes, japi motifs, the iconic rhino symbol, and 57 orchid-inspired columns reflecting the Kopou flower will inspire passengers to Guwahati Airport. Furthermore, a unique “Sky Forest” featuring nearly one lakh indigenous plants offers an immersive, forest-like experience.
Sustainability is a key priority at Guwahati Airport, with a clear focus on reducing carbon emissions and incorporating environmentally friendly materials in construction.
Engineered bamboo, a fast-growing, renewable material that naturally absorbs carbon dioxide during growth, is widely used in airport construction. The terminal makes pioneering use of about 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced Northeast bamboo.
The airport is also significant for its location: it will not only serve people in Assam, but it also connects the other northeastern states of India to the rest of the world, enhancing accessibility and supporting the region’s economic, social, and cultural vitality.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Modi stated that the inauguration of the new terminal at the Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi Airport stands as proof of this commitment and extended congratulations to the people of Assam and the nation on the new terminal.
“Modern airport facilities and advanced connectivity infrastructure serve as gateways to new possibilities and opportunities for any state, and stand as pillars of growing confidence and trust among the people”, exclaimed the Prime Minister.
Underlining that the new terminal building will significantly increase capacity in Guwahati and Assam, enabling more than 1.25 crore passengers to travel annually, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that it will also make it easier for devotees to have darshan of Maa Kamakhya (Temple in Guwahati).
He stated that entering this new airport terminal clearly reflects the true meaning of the mantra of development and heritage. The Prime Minister emphasised that the airport has been designed with Assam’s nature and culture in mind, featuring greenery inside and indoor forest-like arrangements.
He noted that the design integrates with the surrounding environment, ensuring every passenger feels peace and comfort.
He further highlighted the special use of bamboo in construction, underscoring that bamboo is an integral part of life in Assam, symbolising both strength and beauty.
Prime Minister Modi also recalled that their government, in a landmark move in 2017, amended the Indian Forest Act, 1927, to legally reclassify bamboo grown in non-forest areas as “grass” rather than “tree”. This move, he said, has led to the creation of an excellent structure in the form of a new Terminal today.
Underscoring infrastructure development sends a significant message: it boosts industries, builds investor confidence in connectivity, and opens pathways for local products to reach global markets.
Designed by Mumbai-based architect NUDES, the terminal sets new benchmarks in aesthetics, design, passenger convenience and digital innovation. At the recent International Architecture Awards 2025, the Guwahati Airport was awarded in the ‘Airports and Transportation Centres’ category.
Adani Airport will manage the operations of the airport, and it features such as full-body scanners for fast, non-intrusive security screening, DigiYatra-enabled contactless travel, automated baggage handling, fast-track immigration and AI-driven airport operations ensure seamless, secure and efficient journeys.
Guwahati airport is more than a transportation hub, it is a reflection of the region’s natural and cultural identity that integrates sustainablity at its core.
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