Assam's New Airport Terminal: How Guwahati's Travel Time Was Slashed by 90 Minutes

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is celebrating a major infrastructure win with Guwahati's new airport terminal. He highlighted how the travel time to the airport has been dramatically cut thanks to a new six-lane highway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate this state-of-the-art, nature-themed facility. The project is being touted as a key achievement of the BJP's "Double Engine" government in the state and at the centre.

Key Points: Himanta Sarma Hails Guwahati Airport Terminal and Travel Time Cut

  • New terminal is India's first nature-themed airport, reflecting Assam's landscape
  • Travel time from Khanapara to airport reduced from 2 hours to 30 minutes
  • Terminal can handle over 1.3 crore passengers annually as a regional hub
  • PM Modi to inaugurate the facility as part of a wider Assam development visit
3 min read

Double Engine at work: Assam CM hails new terminal of Guwahati airport

Assam CM Himanta Sarma credits 'Double Engine' govt for new Guwahati airport terminal & cutting travel time from 2 hours to 30 minutes. PM Modi to inaugurate.

"not a long time back, travel to the Airport was cumbersome and time-consuming, taking hours - until we stepped in and solved the problem. - Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, Dec 20

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday asserted that the present government has not only built a new terminal in the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International airport in Guwahati, but the state administration has significantly brought down the travel time between the city and the airport.

Sarma claimed that earlier, the travel time between the Khanapara locality and the airport used to take at least two hours; now, with six lane highway, the travel time reduced to only 30 minutes.

The Chief Minister argued that this could be accomplished as the state government took decisive initiatives to solve the problem, which had been pending for a long time.

According to Sarma, not a long time back, travel to the Airport was cumbersome and time-consuming, taking hours - until we stepped in and solved the problem. He appreciated the “Double Engine” government of the BJP at the Centre and the state that brought major developments in Assam in the last one decade.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the new terminal building of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI) in Guwahati on Saturday (December 20), marking a major milestone in Assam's aviation and infrastructure growth.

The state-of-the-art facility is India's first nature-themed airport terminal and is designed to reflect Assam’s rich natural landscape and cultural heritage.

Ahead of the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi posted on X on Friday, highlighting that the new terminal will significantly enhance passenger handling capacity and modernise aviation infrastructure in the Northeast.

The terminal has been developed with a capacity to handle over 1.3 crore passengers annually, positioning Guwahati as a major aviation hub for the entire region.

The new integrated terminal is equipped with modern passenger amenities, improved circulation spaces, and advanced security and baggage handling systems. Its nature-inspired architecture incorporates design elements reflecting Assam’s rivers, forests and biodiversity, offering travellers a distinctive sense of place upon arrival and departure.

In addition to the terminal building, major upgrades have been undertaken across critical airport infrastructure. These include improvements to the runway, airfield systems, aprons and taxiways, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, safety and accommodating increased air traffic. The expanded infrastructure is expected to support larger aircraft operations and improve on-time performance.

The inauguration forms part of PM Modi's visit to Assam, during which he is also scheduled to launch and lay foundation stones for several key development projects across sectors such as infrastructure, industry and connectivity.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
While the new terminal looks impressive, I hope the focus remains on sustainable development. Infrastructure is important, but we must ensure it doesn't come at the cost of the very nature it's themed after. Also, hope the benefits reach the common people and not just remain a showpiece.
A
Aman W
As someone who travels frequently from Guwahati, the old traffic situation was a nightmare. If the highway is truly six lanes now and travel time is down to 30 mins, that's a massive relief. Hope the terminal's operational efficiency matches its beautiful design.
S
Sarah B
The connectivity boost for the entire Northeast region is significant. Handling 1.3 crore passengers annually positions Guwahati as a proper hub. This should encourage more tourism and business travel to the area. Good step forward for regional development.
K
Karthik V
"Double Engine" or not, development is always welcome. But let's talk about the cost and whether similar focus is given to healthcare and education in the state. Infrastructure projects are visible and good for PR, but holistic development is what truly matters for Assam's future.
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Meera T
Reflecting Assam's culture and biodiversity in the airport architecture is a wonderful touch. It creates a strong first impression for visitors. Hope the local artisans and crafts were involved in this. Joi Aai Axom! 🤗

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