PM Modi Unveils Design for New Integrated Terminal at Guwahati Airport. What’s New at Upcoming Terminal?

The terminal’s architecture seamlessly blends with the surrounding landscape, celebrating the region’s traditions while embracing modernity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the design of the New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB) at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport, Guwahati, during the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit. He was accompanied by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. This major development marks a significant step in transforming LGBI Airport into a world-class aviation hub and the primary gateway to Northeast India.

The design of the new terminal is inspired by Assam’s rich natural beauty and cultural heritage. It features a unique “Bamboo Orchids” theme, symbolizing biodiversity, strength, and sustainability. The terminal’s architecture seamlessly blends with the surrounding landscape, celebrating the region’s traditions while embracing modernity.

The use of bamboo and orchids in the design highlights the airport’s commitment to eco-friendliness and sustainability. Currently under construction, the NITB is designed to accommodate 13.1 million passengers per annum (MPPA), making it the largest and most advanced terminal in the Northeast. The terminal is expected to be operational in the last quarter of 2025.

The new terminal, known as T2, is being developed on four key principles: Bamboo Orchids Design, Enhanced Passenger Experience, Digital-First Approach, and Sustainability. The design of the terminal showcases Assam’s cultural icons, including the Kopou Phool (Foxtail Orchid), a vital element in Assamese culture, often worn by Bihu dancers and symbolic of love, fertility, and joy. The architecture also reflects the significance of the Brahmaputra River, the lifeline of Assam, representing the state’s deep-rooted connection to nature and its role in tourism, agriculture, and culture.

Additionally, the Majuli River Island, the world’s largest river island, embodies Assam’s unique traditions and ecological significance, while the Jaapi, the traditional Assamese bamboo hat, symbolizes hospitality and pride. A special highlight of the terminal is the Sky Forest, a green space that brings to life Assam’s lush greenery, providing a serene and immersive experience for travelers. The terminal’s wall panels will also be adorned with Gamocha patterns, integrating Assam’s traditional handwoven textile designs into the airport’s decor.

The new terminal will be a 140,000 square meter facility, increasing passenger capacity sixfold compared to the current terminal. It will feature 10 contact stands (passenger boarding bridges) and 22 remote stands, ensuring smooth connectivity to 26 domestic destinations, including 11 in the Northeast. It will offer a world-class retail and dining experience with premium lounges and an exclusive shopping and leisure space called The Vault. Indoor forest areas will also be incorporated, offering a unique and refreshing experience for travelers.

T2 will introduce advanced digital solutions to enhance passenger convenience and security, including CT-based baggage scanning and Automatic Tray Retrieval System (ATRS) to speed up security checks. E-gates integrated with Digi Yatra will enable seamless passenger validation and boarding, while self-baggage drop counters at the parking and arrival forecourt will make LGBI Airport the first in Northeast India to offer this feature.

The new terminal is designed with a strong focus on sustainability, incorporating features that reduce environmental impact, such as a green roof that helps in energy conservation and insulation, rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems to reduce overall water consumption, and energy-efficient LED lighting with skylights to minimize power usage while enhancing natural illumination.

With its advanced infrastructure, passenger-first approach, and commitment to sustainability, the new terminal at LGBI Airport is poised to become a major aviation hub in India and a crucial gateway for travelers to and from the Northeast. The project aims to boost tourism, economic growth, and connectivity in the region.

Once operational, the Bamboo Orchids Terminal (T2) will redefine travel experiences in the Northeast, setting new benchmarks in efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. The key highlights of the new terminal include a total area of 140,000 sqm, a passenger capacity of 13.1 million per annum, 10 contact gates, 42 conventional check-in counters, 6 self-baggage drop counters, 32 Common Use Self Service (CUSS) stations, 10 domestic and 2 international security check lanes with ATRS, 7 departure and 10 arrival immigration counters with Fast Track Immigration facilities, 3 reserve, 1 ceremonial, and 1 commercial lounge, and 5 baggage reclaim belts (3 domestic, 1 international, and 1 swing).

Also Read: AdvantageAssam2: Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City Will Be a Symbol of Unity and Shared Prosperity: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

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