Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates New Terminal at Guwahati Airport, Calls Northeast the Gateway to India’s Future Growth.
Guwahati:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the new terminal building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati, marking a major milestone in Assam’s connectivity, economic growth and global engagement. Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister described the occasion as a “festival of development and progress” for Assam and the entire Northeast.
He said modern airports and advanced connectivity infrastructure act as gateways to new possibilities and opportunities for any state, strengthening public confidence and accelerating development. “Today, Assam and the entire Northeast are emerging as the new gateway to India’s development,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the region will lead India’s future growth.
The Prime Minister expressed his deep emotional connect with Assam, saying the affection of its people, especially the warmth of mothers and sisters of the state and the Northeast, continues to inspire him. He said the inauguration of the new terminal adds a new chapter to Assam’s development journey and reflects the nation’s resolve to ensure inclusive growth.
Quoting the iconic lines of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, the Prime Minister said the dream of breaking barriers of darkness and lighting up the banks of the Brahmaputra is being fulfilled through sustained development. He noted that just as the mighty river flows without stopping, development in Assam has continued uninterrupted under the present governments at the Centre and in the state.
The Prime Minister also recalled unveiling the statue of Gopinath Bardoloi, Assam’s first Chief Minister, earlier in the day. He said Bardoloi never compromised on Assam’s identity, interests or future, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to take pride in the state.
Emphasising the importance of infrastructure, the Prime Minister said that the construction of modern highways and airports in Assam has given people a sense that true justice is finally being delivered to the region. He criticised previous governments for neglecting Assam and the Northeast for decades, stating that development of the region was never their priority.
He said the mistakes of the past six to seven decades are now being corrected one by one. Over the last 11 years, development projects worth lakhs of crores of rupees have been initiated in Assam and the Northeast. He highlighted that Assam has emerged as the number one state in implementing the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and has installed more than 50 lakh smart prepaid meters. He added that thousands of youth are now getting government jobs without bribes or recommendations.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Assam’s cultural achievements, recalling the historic 2023 Bihu performance by more than 11,000 artists in Guwahati, which was recorded in the Guinness World Records.
With the inauguration of the new terminal, the Prime Minister said the passenger handling capacity of Guwahati airport will increase significantly, enabling more than 1.25 crore passengers to travel annually. This will boost tourism and make it easier for devotees to visit Maa Kamakhya. He said the terminal reflects the mantra of development along with heritage, blending modern facilities with Assam’s nature and culture.
Designed as India’s first nature-themed airport terminal, the building features greenery, an indoor forest-like ambience and extensive use of bamboo, which symbolises strength and beauty in Assamese life. The Prime Minister recalled that in 2017, the government amended the Indian Forest Act to reclassify bamboo grown in non-forest areas as grass, a move that paved the way for such innovative and sustainable construction.
Highlighting the broader impact of infrastructure development, the Prime Minister said it boosts industries, builds investor confidence and opens global markets for local products, while creating new opportunities for the youth. He said Assam is advancing on a path of limitless possibilities.
He noted that India is now moving towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, with modern infrastructure playing a crucial role. As the country prepares for 2047 with the vision of becoming a developed nation, the participation of every state and region is essential, he said, expressing happiness that Assam and the Northeast are leading this mission.
Underlining the success of the Act East Policy, the Prime Minister said Assam is emerging as India’s eastern gateway and a bridge connecting the country with ASEAN nations. He said this role will expand further, with Assam becoming a key engine of growth for a developed India.
The Prime Minister highlighted the transformation brought by multi-modal connectivity in the region, including new bridges over the Brahmaputra, expanded railway networks, faster trains like the Vande Bharat Express, and growing inland waterway traffic. He noted that cargo movement on the Brahmaputra has increased by 140 per cent and that projects like the Pandu ship repair facility and the Ganga Vilas cruise have placed the Northeast on the global tourism map.
He criticised past governments for isolating Assam and the Northeast from development, leading to decades of violence and instability. In contrast, he said the last decade has seen peace, digital connectivity and development reaching even previously affected districts, which are now emerging as aspirational and future industrial hubs.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of safeguarding Assam’s identity and culture, recalling the historic role played by Gopinath Bardoloi in protecting Assam’s interests before independence. He said the present government honours patriots beyond party lines and remains committed to protecting the state’s heritage.
He praised the Assam government under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for efforts to free the state’s resources from illegal encroachments and ensure they benefit the people of Assam. He said the Union government is also taking strict measures to curb infiltration and protect national security.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said the world is looking at India with hope, and the sunrise of India’s future will begin from the Northeast. He expressed confidence that collective efforts will take Assam to new heights and help realise the vision of a developed India, once again congratulating the people on the inauguration of the new terminal.
Governor of Assam Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, K. Rammohan Naidu, Murlidhar Mohol and Pabitra Margherita, along with other dignitaries, were present at the event.
Background:
The newly completed integrated terminal, spread over nearly 1.4 lakh square metres, is designed to handle up to 1.3 crore passengers annually. Inspired by Assam’s biodiversity and cultural heritage under the theme “Bamboo Orchids”, the terminal uses about 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced bamboo and features orchid-inspired columns, Kaziranga-themed landscapes, and a unique “Sky Forest” with nearly one lakh indigenous plants. Advanced digital systems such as DigiYatra, automated baggage handling, AI-driven operations and fast-track security ensure a seamless and modern travel experience.
