Assam's New ₹4,000 Crore Airport Terminal Set to Open on February 22
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Friday that the state's new ₹4,000-crore terminal building at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA) will commence operations starting February 22. The world-class facility, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 20, represents a significant leap forward in regional connectivity and infrastructure development.
From Open Space to Global Gateway
"From an open space to a world-class gateway in just a few years. This transformation reflects a clear vision for a more connected and confident Assam," Sarma stated in a social media post. He emphasized that the airport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi, will officially open its doors to international and domestic travelers from the specified date.
Massive Capacity and Infrastructure Upgrades
The sprawling new terminal covers approximately 1.4 lakh square meters and is engineered to accommodate up to 1.3 crore passengers annually. This represents more than double the current capacity, as LGBIA currently handles around 0.6 crore passengers each year. The expansion includes comprehensive upgrades to critical aviation infrastructure:
- Enhanced runway systems
- Modernized airfield operations
- Expanded aprons and taxiways
- Advanced passenger processing facilities
These improvements are expected to significantly reduce congestion while boosting tourism and trade opportunities throughout Northeast India.
India's First Nature-Themed Airport Terminal
The terminal stands as India's pioneering nature-themed airport facility, drawing design inspiration from Assam's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage under the "Bamboo Orchids" theme. Architectural highlights include:
- Approximately 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced Northeast bamboo used in construction
- Kaziranga National Park-inspired green landscapes throughout the terminal
- Traditional Assamese japi motifs incorporated into design elements
- The iconic one-horned rhino symbol prominently featured
- Fifty-seven orchid-inspired columns representing the region's native Kopou flower
A particularly innovative feature is the "Sky Forest" - an immersive, forest-like experience for arriving passengers featuring nearly one lakh plants of indigenous species.
Historical Evolution and Modern Transformation
LGBIA has served as the Northeast's aviation lifeline for decades, evolving through distinct phases of growth since its establishment in 1958 as Borjhar Airport. The facility was upgraded to international status in 2000 and renamed in honor of Assam's first chief minister and freedom fighter, Gopinath Bordoloi. A striking 80-foot statue of Bordoloi was unveiled by Prime Minister Modi outside the new terminal.
A transformative chapter began in 2021 when operations and development responsibilities were transferred to Adani Enterprises Limited under a 50-year public-private partnership lease. This transition initiated a comprehensive modernization drive aimed at aligning the airport with global standards while preserving its distinctive regional identity.
Future Plans and Economic Impact
According to official sources, the existing terminal building will be converted into a dedicated cargo hub, further enhancing the airport's logistical capabilities. The new terminal's opening is anticipated to:
- Stimulate economic growth across multiple sectors
- Enhance regional connectivity with improved passenger experience
- Position Assam as a key tourism destination with world-class infrastructure
- Support trade expansion through increased cargo capacity
The February 22 opening marks a milestone in Assam's infrastructure development journey, creating what Chief Minister Sarma described as "a more connected and confident Assam" ready to welcome the world through its new aviation gateway.
