India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the new terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA) in Guwahati, marking the completion of an airport expansion project designed to strengthen connectivity across the northeast of the country.
The terminal, developed by Guwahati International Airport Limited and operated by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), is expected to begin operations by the end of February 2026. The project progressed from concept to commissioning in under a year, supported by a comprehensive operational readiness and airport transfer (ORAT) program, including external expertise from Munich Airport.
Architecturally, the terminal has been designed to reflect the region’s cultural and environmental identity. Named The Bamboo Orchids, the facility draws inspiration from Assam’s foxtail orchid and indigenous bamboo species from across the northeast. Around 140 metric tons of locally sourced bamboo have been used throughout the building, combining traditional materials with contemporary airport design.
The terminal incorporates DigiYatra-enabled passenger processing, smart check-in systems and expanded circulation areas. It has been designed to handle up to 13.1 million passengers annually by 2032, more than double current traffic levels. In FY 2024-25, Guwahati Airport handled approximately 6.5 million passengers, underlining strong growth in regional air travel demand. The airport currently ranks as India’s 10th busiest.
Speaking at the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi said the new terminal formed part of broader infrastructure investment across Assam and the northeast of the country, positioning the region as a key gateway under India’s Act East policy.
Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, said, “The Guwahati terminal demonstrates how world-class airport infrastructure can be delivered swiftly while remaining rooted in local identity. It will strengthen connectivity and support economic growth across the northeast.”
The wider airport development represents a total investment of approximately ₹5,000 crore (US$67.2m), including funding for planned maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities and integrated cargo infrastructure. These additions are expected to support trade, logistics and employment growth in the region.
The Guwahati terminal inauguration forms part of AAHL’s broader airport expansion program across India, alongside upcoming projects including the Navi Mumbai International Airport.
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