Guwahati, Assam — India has marked a major milestone in aviation infrastructure with the inauguration of its first nature-themed airport terminal at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati. The new integrated terminal, built at an estimated cost of ₹5,000 crore, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is set to transform air travel in the Northeast.
Nature-Inspired Design Reflecting Assam’s Identity
The terminal is themed “Bamboo Orchids”, drawing inspiration from Assam’s rich natural beauty and cultural heritage. A standout feature of the terminal is the extensive use of locally sourced bamboo, with around 140 metric tonnes incorporated into its structure, symbolising sustainability and regional craftsmanship.
The design includes 57 pillars shaped like the Kopou flower, Assam’s iconic orchid, along with elements inspired by Kaziranga National Park, traditional japi motifs, and indigenous art forms. A unique “Sky Forest”, featuring nearly one lakh native plants, offers passengers a forest-like experience inside the terminal.
Spread across nearly 1.4 lakh square metres, the terminal combines eco-friendly architecture with modern aesthetics.
Enhanced Passenger Capacity and Connectivity
The new terminal is designed to handle over 13 million passengers annually, more than doubling the airport’s previous capacity. This upgrade positions Guwahati as a key aviation gateway to the Northeast, improving domestic connectivity and supporting future international routes.
The project also includes significant investment in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, strengthening the airport’s role in aviation services and logistics.
Modern Facilities with Sustainable Focus
Along with its nature-centric design, the terminal offers state-of-the-art passenger amenities such as:
• DigiYatra-enabled contactless entry
• Automated baggage handling systems
• Advanced security screening technology
• Faster immigration and check-in facilities
• Smart passenger information systems
These features aim to deliver a smooth, efficient, and future-ready travel experience.
Boost for Regional Growth
The new terminal is expected to play a vital role in boosting tourism, trade, and employment across Assam and the wider Northeast region. Describing it as a symbol of progress, the government highlighted that the project aligns with India’s vision of sustainable infrastructure development.
Domestic operations are expected to gradually shift to the new terminal, while the existing terminal will be repurposed for cargo and other aviation-related uses.