From bamboo design to sky forest: What’s inside Guwahati’s new airport terminal

The Rs 5,000-crore project, including Rs 1,000 crore earmarked specifically for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, aims to develop the airport as a key aviation hub for the northeast and a major gateway to Southeast Asia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new terminal building of the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati on Saturday, marking a major boost to aviation infrastructure in Assam and the Northeast. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accompanied the Prime Minister.

Designed to handle 13.1 million passengers annually, the new terminal is being touted as the country’s first nature-themed airport, blending modern technology with Assam’s rich ecological and cultural heritage. Officials said the terminal sets new benchmarks for sustainability, passenger comfort and digital innovation.

In a post on X, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu praised the architecture of the terminal, noting that its immersive design “beautifully showcases Assam’s pristine natural treasures”.

Named ‘The Bamboo Orchids’, the terminal draws inspiration from Assam’s biodiversity, particularly the iconic ‘kopou phool’ (foxtail orchid), and indigenous bamboo varieties from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Around 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced Northeast bamboo have been used in its construction, officials said.

The terminal incorporates Kaziranga-inspired green landscapes, traditional Assamese ‘japi’ motifs, prominent rhino symbols and 57 orchid-shaped columns across arrival and departure areas. A standout feature is the ‘Sky Forest’, where arriving passengers pass through a lush zone with nearly one lakh plants from about 100 local species, offering a forest-like ambience.

“This innovative design not only honours Assam’s ecological and cultural identity but also sets new standards for green, sustainable and passenger-centric airport architecture in India,” an official said.

Spanning 1.4 lakh square metres, the terminal is equipped with full-body scanners for faster security screening, DigiYatra-enabled contactless travel, automated baggage handling systems, fast-track immigration facilities and AI-driven airport operations to ensure seamless passenger movement.

The Rs 5,000-crore project includes Rs 1,000 crore earmarked for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, aimed at developing Guwahati as a key aviation hub for the Northeast and a major gateway to Southeast Asia.

The transition from the old terminal to the new one will begin in February, with domestic flights operating initially from the new facility. By the end of March, both domestic and international flights are expected to shift, while the existing terminal will be converted into a cargo hub.

Operational readiness has been ensured through an extensive ORAT programme, supported by an expert team from Munich, Germany, officials said.

“This positions Guwahati as a critical passenger and cargo hub for all eight northeastern states,” an official said, adding that it will enhance connectivity to destinations known for tea gardens, wildlife reserves and hill tourism.

Developed by Guwahati International Airport Ltd and operated by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd, the terminal is projected to handle 13.1 million passengers annually by 2032. During FY 2024-25, the airport recorded passenger traffic of 6.5 million, highlighting the region’s growing aviation demand.

“For the first time in India, passengers will have access to check-in facilities at the parking area and arrival forecourt, eliminating the need to carry baggage into the terminal,” another official said.

The terminal also features smart kiosks, consolidated security lanes, automated tray retrieval systems and space dedicated to local brands, food outlets and an Airport Village inspired by Assam’s culture and cuisine.

“These establishments are inspired by the region’s folklore, cuisine, natural beauty and cultural heritage, ensuring every traveller experiences the authentic spirit of the state,” the official added.