India&rsquo;s first nature-themed airport terminal has been inaugurated in Assam&rsquo;s gateway city, marking a major leap in infrastructure and regional connectivity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday opened the New Terminal Building at Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport during his two-day visit to the state.
The new terminal, known as the Bamboo Orchids Terminal 2, has been designed to reflect Assam&rsquo;s rich biodiversity and cultural identity. Inspired by the kopou phool or foxtail orchid and traditional bamboo architecture, the terminal stands as a visual tribute to the Northeast.
Sharing a glimpse of the terminal ahead of the inauguration, the Prime Minister described the project as a boost to Assam&rsquo;s growth. &ldquo;Increased capacity means better &lsquo;Ease of Living&rsquo; and a boost for commerce as well as tourism,&rdquo; he wrote.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also highlighted the significance of the project, saying, &ldquo;The people of Assam are eagerly awaiting your arrival tomorrow Adarniya Shri @narendramodi for the dedication of India's first nature themed Airport terminal. This has been only possible due to your leadership and commitment towards boosting Assam as a key growth engine.&rdquo;
Built at a cost of around ₹4,000 crore, the terminal spans nearly 1.4 lakh square metres and is designed to handle about 13.1 million passengers every year. It is expected to play a key role in strengthening economic integration and inclusive growth across all eight northeastern states.
The terminal&rsquo;s architecture makes extensive use of nearly 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced bamboo from the Northeast. Its interiors feature Kaziranga-inspired green landscapes, traditional japi patterns, the iconic one-horned rhino motif, and 57 orchid-shaped columns that echo the kopou flower.
One of the standout attractions is the &ldquo;Sky Forest&rdquo;, a lush installation of nearly one lakh indigenous plants that creates a forest-like experience for arriving passengers.
Calling the terminal a landmark moment, BJP leader Amit Malviya said, &ldquo;With modern terminals, enhanced capacity, and world-class facilities, this airport will transform travel, boost tourism, and open up new economic opportunities for millions.&rdquo;
During his visit, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to walk through the terminal and address a public gathering outside the building, alongside unveiling development projects worth around ₹15,600 crore in Assam.

India’s First Nature-Themed Airport Opens

Guwahati’s new terminal blends bamboo, orchids, and culture at a grand scale

India’s First Nature-Themed Airport Opens

Guwahati’s new terminal blends bamboo, orchids, and culture at a grand scale

December 20, 2025 | 16:03 IST