PM Modi inaugurates Guwahati terminal setting Adani benchmark in Northeast connectivity

The Bamboo Orchids terminal at Guwahati's LGBIA debuts with a rigorous Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer programme. Spearheaded by AAHL and featuring DigiYatra-enabled processing, the new facility showcases bamboo-inspired design and aims to handle 13.1 million passengers annually by 2032, strengthening the Northeast’s aviation linkages.

Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated the newterminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA),completing a rare, accelerated journey from concept to commissioning inunder a year—backed by a rigorous focus on operational readiness.

The terminal’s design was unveiled by the Prime Minister in February atAdvantage Assam 2.0. Its inauguration today, with operations expected tocommence by the end of February, underscores the pace at which India’saviation infrastructure is now being conceived, built, tested and readiedfor live operations. A comprehensive Operational Readiness and AirportTransfer (ORAT) programme—supported by an expert visiting team from Munich,Germany—has ensured that systems, processes, personnel and passenger flowsare aligned for a safe and seamless opening from day one.

Envisioned as a modern gateway rooted in regional identity, theterminal—aptly named "The Bamboo Orchids"—draws inspiration from Assam’siconic kopou phool (foxtail orchid) and indigenous bamboo varieties such asBholuka bamboo from Assam and Apatani bamboo from Arunachal Pradesh.Blending natural materials, abundant daylight and contemporary design, thearchitecture reflects the Northeast’s ecological and cultural richness.Around 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced bamboo from the region havebeen used across the terminal, positioning it among India’s most prominentexamples of nature-inspired airport architecture where traditionalcraftsmanship is reimagined through modern engineering.

The project has been developed by Guwahati International Airport Limited,with operations led by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL). The terminalexemplifies the Adani Group’s integrated approach to infrastructuredelivery—bringing together design excellence, engineering capability,ORAT-led preparedness and time-bound execution across complex aviationprojects.

Placing the inauguration in a larger national context, Honourable PrimeMinister Shri Narendra Modi described it as part of a wider Vikas ka Utsavunfolding in Assam across the Northeast. He noted that Assam is emerging asIndia’s eastern gateway under the Act East policy, with the bamboo-richterminal symbolising strength, sustainability and the state’s growing rolein powering Viksit Bharat, as India advances toward becoming the world’sthird-largest economy.

Commenting on the occasion, Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group, said: "TheGuwahati terminal demonstrates how world-class airport infrastructure canbe delivered swiftly while remaining deeply rooted in local identity. Itwill strengthen connectivity, support economic growth across the Northeast,and offer passengers a seamless, modern travel experience."

Equipped with DigiYatra-enabled processing, smart check-in systems andexpansive passenger areas, the terminal is designed to handle 13.1 millionpassengers annually by 2032. In FY 2024–25, Guwahati Airport handled 6.50million passengers, underscoring the region’s accelerating aviation demand.Currently, Guwahati ranks as the 10th busiest airport in India, serving asa critical hub for all eight Northeastern states.

The overall airport development represents an investment of ₹5,000 crore,including ₹1,000 crore earmarked for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO)facilities. Planned integrated domestic and international cargoinfrastructure will further strengthen trade, logistics and employmentgeneration across the region.The Guwahati milestone forms part of a wider national aviation expansionled by AAHL, with execution momentum continuing through the scheduledoperational launch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) onDecember 25—one of India’s largest greenfield airport projects.

Together, these developments reflect India’s evolving infrastructurelandscape—where speed, scale, operational readiness and design excellenceconverge to create future-ready gateways for growth.