As the gateway to South East Asia, Guwahati is poised for a historic transformation with the inauguration of its new world-class terminal. The newly built Guwahati Airport Terminal is more than just a new building; it has become a symbol of Assam’s dreams, aspirations, and questions. Tomorrow (December 20), Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate this new terminal, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Northeast India.
Guwahati Airport New Terminal: PM Modi’s Message
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his excitement regarding this terminal in a Facebook post. He wrote that Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is ready with a new terminal. This is the first nature themed airport terminal in India that reflects the country’s vision and sensitivity toward the environment.
This new terminal has got the unique feature regarding capacity and modernity. It can handle over 13 million passengers annually, supported by large-scale upgrades to the runway, airfield systems, apron, and taxiways.
A Unique Design Rooted in Nature and Tradition
The Guwahati Airport New Terminal has been designed around the “Bamboo Orchids“ theme. Assam’s biodiversity and cultural heritage can be felt in every corner of it. The use of local Northeastern bamboo, greenery inspired by Kaziranga, Jaapi motifs, and rhino symbolism gives the terminal its soul. An indoor ‘Sky Forest’ offers passengers the sensation of walking through a lush jungle.
Transforming the Passenger Experience
The new terminal is not just beautiful; it is exceptionally smart. Contactless facilities like DigiYatra, faster security checks, and automated baggage systems promise to reduce passenger fatigue. Guwahati is moving toward becoming an experience rather than just a transit point.
Why the Concerns Amidst Development?
Amid the enthusiasm regarding the new terminal, some locals and experts expressed apprehension about the sustainability of the structure, as they believe that it will be essential to maintain a constant watch on increasing crowds, traffic pressure, and ecological balance. If proper planning and management are not followed, this could become a challenge in the future.
What Does This Mean for Assam?
The Guwahati Airport New Terminal could provide a massive boost to Assam’s connectivity, tourism, and economic growth. It will serve as a strong link connecting the Northeast to the rest of the country and the world. However, its true success will be measured by how well it balances development with nature and local life.
Prime Minister’s Assam Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to begin a two-day Assam visit on December 20-21, 2025, heralding a major boost to the state’s infrastructure and industrial landscape. On Saturday, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the new integrated terminal building at Guwahati’s Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, a state-of-the-art facility.
On the second day, he will pay a poignant tribute to the martyrs of the Assam Movement at the Swahid Smarak Kshetra before travelling to Namrup. At Namrup, he will perform the Bhoomi Pujan for a transformative Ammonia-Urea Fertiliser Project, an investment exceeding ₹10,600 crore aimed at achieving self-reliance in agriculture and generating significant regional employment.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available official information, government statements, and news sources. The views expressed herein are for informational purposes. Final decisions regarding any policy or project rest with the respective authorities.
Dr. Bidyut Barun Sarmah, with 22+ years of experience in print, electronic, and digital media, holds an MA and PhD in Mass Communication and Journalism. He has worked with AIR, Doordarshan, and the Publication Division under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. A published author and researcher, Dr. Sarmah writes extensively in both Assamese and English. He was also awarded a prestigious fellowship by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for his study on journalistic literature—an achievement that highlights his depth of scholarship and contribution to media studies. At Nest of News, he leads the editorial team and contributes across diverse topics.