Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the state-of-the-art new terminal building of the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI) at Borjhar, Guwahati, on December 20, kicking off a two-day visit to Assam. The new terminal, a massive upgrade to the region’s air connectivity, is a key focus of the Prime Minister’s visit.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review preparations for the major events planned in Guwahati and Namrup, ensuring smooth execution and “resounding success” of the programs.
The new Integrated Terminal Building is a significant infrastructure project, undertaken at an estimated cost of around Rs 1,600 crore (as part of a total facility investment exceeding Rs 2,000 crore, which also covers new taxiways and runway expansion).
The massive facility is designed to significantly boost the airport’s capacity from the existing 3.4 million passengers per annum (MPPA) to a robust 13.1 MPPA. It is envisioned to handle approximately 4,500 passengers during peak hours, catering to both domestic and international traffic.
Features include advanced passenger-friendly amenities, cutting-edge security systems such as CT machines and automatic tray retrieval systems, and e-gates integrated with Digi Yatra for quick validation. Its architectural design is inspired by Assam’s natural beauty, incorporating elements like bamboo and orchids, and will feature a Sky Forest and gamocha-patterned wall motifs, blending sustainability with local culture.
Beyond the airport inauguration, Prime Minister Modi’s two-day visit on December 20 and 21 will include several other important engagements. He is set to unveil a statue of Bharat Ratna Dr. Gopinath Bordoloi at the airport premises.
The Prime Minister will also travel to Namrup to lay the foundation stone for a new Brownfield Ammonia-Urea Complex with an annual production capacity of 12.7 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT).
Both Guwahati and Namrup are scheduled to host public meetings where the Prime Minister will address the gathering.
