Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the state-of-the-art new terminal building of the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport, marking a historic leap for Assam’s aviation infrastructure. Built at a cost of approximately Rs 4,000 crore, the facility is India’s first “nature-themed” airport terminal, designed to serve as a gateway to Southeast Asia.
The new terminal, spanning 1.4 lakh square metres, is themed “Bamboo Orchids,” drawing deep inspiration from the rich ecological and cultural tapestry of the Northeast.
The architecture prominently features:
Orchid-Inspired Columns: 57 massive columns shaped like the Kopou Phool (Foxtail Orchid), Assam’s state flower.
Bamboo Craftsmanship: The pioneering use of 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced bamboo from the region.
Cultural Motifs: Decorative elements including traditional Japi (hat) motifs, the iconic one-horned rhino, and landscapes inspired by Kaziranga.
One of the most striking features is the “Sky Forest,” an indoor green zone housing nearly one lakh indigenous plants, offering arriving passengers an immersive, forest-like experience.
The integrated terminal is designed to handle 13.1 million passengers annually, a massive increase that addresses the growing air traffic in the region.
During the inauguration, PM Modi emphasised that the project is more than just a building—it is a catalyst for economic growth. “Modern airports and advanced connectivity serve as gateways to new possibilities for any state,” PM Modi said while addressing the gathering. “This new terminal is a major boost to Assam’s infrastructure. Increased capacity means better ‘Ease of Living’ and a significant lift for commerce and tourism.”
The terminal also introduces world-class digital innovations to ensure seamless travel:
DigiYatra: Contactless and paperless entry for a faster boarding experience.
Advanced Security: Full-body scanners for non-intrusive screening.
Operational Efficiency: AI-driven airport operations and automated baggage handling systems.
Accompanying the Prime Minister were Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The new facility is expected to be fully operational for domestic and international flights by March 2026, while the old terminal will transition into a dedicated cargo hub.
