Guwahati, Dec 20:
Guwahati on Saturday witnessed a major milestone in India’s aviation infrastructure with the inauguration of the country’s first nature-themed airport terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA). Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new terminal, named “The Bamboo Orchids”, which showcases Assam’s ecological richness and cultural heritage.

Built at an estimated cost of ₹4,000 crore, the state-of-the-art terminal has an additional ₹1,000 crore earmarked for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, officials said. Designed to handle 13.1 million passengers annually, the new terminal significantly enhances the airport’s capacity and positions Guwahati as a major aviation hub for the Northeast and a key gateway to Southeast Asia.

The terminal’s architecture draws inspiration from Assam’s rich biodiversity, featuring design elements based on the iconic ‘kopou phool’ (foxtail orchid) and indigenous bamboo varieties. The nature-themed design celebrates the cultural and ecological identity of the region while promoting sustainable infrastructure.

Equipped with modern passenger amenities, the terminal includes advanced security systems, automated baggage handling, digital check-in facilities, upgraded immigration counters, spacious lounges and expanded retail areas. Officials said these features will ensure smoother passenger movement and a superior travel experience.

Authorities said the new terminal is expected to boost tourism, trade and investment across Assam and the Northeastern states, while easing congestion and meeting the growing demand for air travel. With its blend of modern facilities and local cultural symbolism, the new terminal reinforces Guwahati’s status as the primary air gateway to Northeast India.