Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a significant two-day visit to Assam, marking a major milestone for the state's infrastructure with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art new terminal at Guwahati's Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. The project, valued at a substantial ₹4,000 crore, is poised to transform connectivity and economic prospects in the Northeastern region.
A Glimpse into the New Aviation Hub
Ahead of the official ceremony, PM Modi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the first visuals of the impressive new terminal building. The structure, which spans a vast area, features ornate designs and is celebrated as India's first nature-themed airport terminal. The Prime Minister emphasized that this enhanced capacity directly translates to improved 'Ease of Living' for citizens while providing a significant boost to both commerce and tourism in Assam.
In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi stated, "I will reach Guwahati, Assam tomorrow, 20th December. In the afternoon, the new terminal building... will be inaugurated. This is a major boost to Assam’s infrastructure." Responding to this, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma credited the Prime Minister's leadership and commitment for positioning Assam as a key growth engine for the nation.
Paying Homage and Laying Foundations for Growth
The Prime Minister's itinerary for December 21st carries profound historical and economic significance. A central part of the day's schedule involves paying homage to the martyrs of the Assam Movement, the six-year-long agitation that began in 1979. PM Modi will visit the newly constructed 'Swahid Smarak Kshetra' and offer tributes before the eternal flame, an act CM Sarma described as "nothing less than historic." He will also garland the statue of the first martyr, Khargeswar Talukdar.
Following this solemn tribute, the focus will shift to future economic development. The Prime Minister will travel to Namrup in Dibrugarh district to perform the 'Bhoomi Pujan' for a massive ₹12,000 crore Ammonia-Urea Fertiliser Project. This initiative by the Assam Valley Fertiliser and Chemical Company Limited aims to meet regional fertiliser demand, reduce imports, and advance the vision of 'Aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance).
Detailed Itinerary of the Two-Day Visit
The visit commenced with PM Modi unveiling an 80-foot-tall statue of Assam's first Chief Minister, Gopinath Bordoloi, sculpted by Ram Sutar, outside the airport named in his honour. After inaugurating the terminal and spending approximately 15 minutes inside, he addressed a public meeting outside the building.
The Prime Minister's engagements also included a roadshow towards the BJP state headquarters and an overnight stay at the state guest house in Khanapara. On Sunday morning, he engaged in a unique 'Pariksha pe Charcha' interaction with 25 meritorious students while sailing on the Brahmaputra River aboard the cruise ship 'Charaideo'. After the events in Namrup, including another public meeting, the Prime Minister will return to New Delhi.
This comprehensive visit underscores the central government's focused investment in Assam's infrastructure, honoring its past while laying a concrete foundation for its future economic and social prosperity.
