PM Modi Inaugurates Bamboo-Inspired New Terminal at Guwahati Airport

Guwahati | Assam — Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA), completing a rare, accelerated journey from concept to commissioning in under a year—backed by a rigorous focus on operational readiness.

The terminal’s design was unveiled by the Prime Minister in February at Advantage Assam 2.0. Its inauguration today, with operations expected to commence by the end of February, underscores the pace at which India’s aviation infrastructure is now being conceived, built, tested and readied for live operations. A comprehensive Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) programme—supported by an expert visiting team from Munich, Germany—has ensured that systems, processes, personnel and passenger flows are aligned for a safe and seamless opening from day one.

Envisioned as a modern gateway rooted in regional identity, the terminal—aptly named “The Bamboo Orchids”—draws inspiration from Assam’s iconic kopou phool (foxtail orchid) and indigenous bamboo varieties such as Bholuka bamboo from Assam and Apatani bamboo from Arunachal Pradesh. Blending natural materials, abundant daylight and contemporary design, the architecture reflects the Northeast’s ecological and cultural richness. Around 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced bamboo from the region have been used across the terminal, positioning it among India’s most prominent examples of nature-inspired airport architecture where traditional craftsmanship is reimagined through modern engineering.

The project has been developed by Guwahati International Airport Limited, with operations led by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL). The terminal exemplifies the Adani Group’s integrated approach to infrastructure delivery—bringing together design excellence, engineering capability, ORAT-led preparedness and time-bound execution across complex aviation projects.

Placing the inauguration in a larger national context, Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi described it as part of a wider Vikas ka Utsav unfolding in Assam across the Northeast. He noted that Assam is emerging as India’s eastern gateway under the Act East policy, with the bamboo-rich terminal symbolising strength, sustainability and the state’s growing role in powering Viksit Bharat, as India advances toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy.

Commenting on the occasion, Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group, said: “The Guwahati terminal demonstrates how world-class airport infrastructure can be delivered swiftly while remaining deeply rooted in local identity. It will strengthen connectivity, support economic growth across the Northeast, and offer passengers a seamless, modern travel experience.”

Equipped with DigiYatra-enabled processing, smart check-in systems and expansive passenger areas, the terminal is designed to handle 13.1 million passengers annually by 2032. In FY 2024–25, Guwahati Airport handled 6.50 million passengers, underscoring the region’s accelerating aviation demand. Currently, Guwahati ranks as the 10th busiest airport in India, serving as a critical hub for all eight Northeastern states.

The overall airport development represents an investment of ₹5,000 crore, including ₹1,000 crore earmarked for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities. Planned integrated domestic and international cargo infrastructure will further strengthen trade, logistics and employment generation across the region.

The Guwahati milestone forms part of a wider national aviation expansion led by AAHL, with execution momentum continuing through the scheduled operational launch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on December 25—one of India’s largest greenfield airport projects.

Together, these developments reflect India’s evolving infrastructure landscape—where speed, scale, operational readiness and design excellence converge to create future-ready gateways for growth.

About Guwahati International Airport Limited (GIAL) 

Guwahati International Airport Limited (GIAL) Guwahati, managed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited, the flagship company of the globally diversified Adani Group, is the largest private operator of airports in India. GIAL is responsible for the operation and modernisation of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI Airport), Guwahati, a key aviation asset and the gateway to Northeast India. 

LGBI Airport (IATA: GAU, ICAO: VEGT)  with a legacy spanning 67 years, serves as the premier gateway to Northeast India and continues to enhance air connectivity across domestic and international sectors. In FY 2024-25, the airport successfully managed 6.57 million passengers, including 91,594 international passengers and 1,009 international ATMs, along with 45,410 domestic ATMs, marking a significant expansion in global outreach. 

With a ‘digital-first’ philosophy, LGBI Airport is committed to delivering a seamless passenger experience, leveraging state-of-the-art technology and modern infrastructure. As a key EXIM and logistics hub, LGBI Airport recorded 12,893 metric tonnes (MT) of cargo in FY 2024-25. 

In December 2024, LGBI Airport was recognised for its commitment to customer excellence, achieving Level 2 accreditation by the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Customer Experience programme. Further reinforcing its sustainability efforts, the airport received the prestigious Greentech PCWR Award 2024 for Waste Management & Recycling Leadership.