Guwahati, Assam — December 20, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a sprawling new terminal building at Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport on Saturday, a development poised to dramatically reshape air travel in Northeast India. The new Terminal 2 is designed to accommodate approximately 13.1 million passengers annually.
Aviation Hub Takes Flight: Guwahati Airport’s Expansion
The newly opened terminal represents a ₹5,000 crore investment in Assam’s infrastructure, aiming to boost regional connectivity and economic growth.
- The new terminal building spans 1,40,000 square metres.
- The project includes ₹1,000 crore allocated for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.
- The airport is named after Assam’s first chief minister, Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi.
- PM Modi also unveiled an 80-foot statue of Bardoloi outside the airport.
Q: What is the passenger capacity of the new Guwahati airport terminal?
A: The newly inaugurated Terminal 2 is designed to handle around 13.1 million passengers each year, significantly increasing the airport’s capacity to meet growing demand.
The ₹4,000 crore terminal building itself was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, who also toured the facility. Officials stated the total project cost reached ₹5,000 crore, with ₹1,000 crore specifically designated for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, according to the Press Trust of India.
The expansion aims to establish Guwahati airport as a pivotal aviation hub, not only for Assam but for the entire Northeast region. The design of the new terminal draws inspiration from Assam’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, reflecting the state’s natural beauty and traditions.
Prior to the inauguration, on Friday, Prime Minister Modi shared a preview of the terminal, describing it as a “major boost to Assam’s infrastructure.” He added on X (formerly Twitter) that increased capacity translates to improved “Ease of Living” and stimulates commerce and tourism.
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Modi announced plans for Sunday, December 21, to pay respects at the Shaheed Smarak Sthal, a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives during the historic Assam Movement. Following this, he is scheduled to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ammonia-Urea Fertilizer Project of Assam Valley Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited in Namrup, Dibrugarh. He emphasized the project’s importance in meeting fertilizer needs, reducing import dependence, and fostering self-reliance.
