Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant milestone for the infrastructure landscape of Northeast India on Friday by inaugurating the new integrated terminal building at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. This state-of-the-art facility, developed at a cost of Rs 1,232 crore, is now the largest airport terminal in the entire northeastern region of the country.
A Gateway to the Northeast: Features of the New Terminal
The newly unveiled terminal is a monumental upgrade for air travel in Assam. Designed to handle a substantial increase in passenger traffic, the building boasts an impressive floor area of over 102,000 square meters. This expansive space will allow the airport to manage up to 13 million passengers annually, a significant leap from its previous capacity. The terminal is equipped with 64 check-in counters, 20 immigration counters, and 12 customs counters, ensuring smoother and more efficient passenger processing.
Beyond its scale, the terminal's design thoughtfully incorporates elements of local culture and heritage. The architectural aesthetics reflect the essence of Assam, creating a sense of place for visitors arriving in the region. Furthermore, the facility is equipped with advanced sustainability features, including a rainwater harvesting system and a sewage treatment plant, aligning with modern environmental standards.
Boosting Connectivity and Regional Economy
The inauguration of this major infrastructure project is seen as a transformative step for the economic and logistical connectivity of Northeast India. During the event, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the new terminal is not just a building but a gateway to the development and progress of the entire northeastern region. Enhanced airport infrastructure is expected to catalyze tourism, attract business investments, and facilitate easier movement for the people of the eight sister states.
The project's completion underscores the central government's focused approach under the 'Act East Policy' and the 'Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN)' scheme, which aims to improve regional air connectivity. A more robust Guwahati airport serves as the crucial hub for these initiatives, linking remote areas of the Northeast to the national and international air network.
PM's Assam Visit and Public Engagement
The terminal inauguration was the centerpiece of the Prime Minister's day-long visit to Assam on December 20, 2024. His itinerary also included participation in a massive roadshow in Guwahati, where he was greeted by enthusiastic crowds. The public reception highlighted the local significance attached to the infrastructure development project. The visit reinforced the government's commitment to accelerating growth and addressing infrastructural gaps in the region.
In his address, the Prime Minister connected the new terminal to a larger vision of a developed India ('Viksit Bharat'), where every region contributes to and benefits from national growth. The investment of over Rs 1,200 crore into this single facility signals a strong intent to modernize the Northeast's core infrastructure, which has long been a priority for balanced regional development.
The operationalization of the new integrated terminal at Guwahati Airport is set to redefine the travel experience for millions. It stands as a concrete symbol of progress, promising to enhance convenience for passengers while acting as an economic engine for Assam and its neighboring states for decades to come.
