PM Modi Inaugurates New Terminal at Guwahati Airport, Unveils Statue of Gopinath Bardoloi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (December 20, 2025) inaugurated the newly constructed terminal building of the Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati, marking a major boost to Assam’s aviation infrastructure and connectivity.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister also unveiled an 80-foot statue of Assam’s first Chief Minister, Gopinath Bardoloi, installed outside the new terminal complex.

The modern terminal, spread across nearly 1.4 lakh square metres, has been designed to handle up to 1.3 crore passengers annually, significantly enhancing the airport’s capacity. Its architectural theme, titled “Bamboo Orchids”, reflects Assam’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Addressing a public gathering in Guwahati, the Prime Minister said that over the past 11 years, Assam has witnessed the launch and completion of mega infrastructure projects worth several lakh crore rupees. He reiterated that the Centre places Assam at the heart of the Act East Policy, describing the state as a key driver of Viksit Bharat.

Mr Modi remarked that the inauguration represents not just Assam’s progress but the development of the entire North-East region. Drawing a metaphor with the Brahmaputra, he said development under the BJP’s “double-engine government” has been flowing steadily in the state. He also stated that the statue of Gopinath Bardoloi would serve as a source of inspiration for present and future generations, while alleging that previous governments had neglected the region’s development.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, speaking at the event, described the inauguration as a historic milestone for the state. He said the new terminal would strengthen Assam’s position as a regional hub and accelerate connectivity, tourism, and economic growth across the North-East.

Following the inauguration, the Prime Minister led a roadshow in Guwahati and interacted with BJP workers. As part of his two-day visit to Assam, Mr Modi is scheduled to participate in Pariksha Pe Charcha with school students aboard a cruise on the Brahmaputra River on Sunday. He will also visit the Swahid Smarak Kshetra, constructed in memory of martyrs of the Assam Movement, perform Bhumi Pujan for the ₹12,000-crore Ammonia-Urea fertiliser project at Namrup, and address a public meeting.

The Prime Minister arrived in Guwahati earlier in the day, accompanied by senior leaders and dignitaries, including Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.