New Dekhi/Guwahati, 20 December (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the new terminal building of the Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam — marking a major milestone in the region’s journey toward enhanced connectivity, economic expansion, and global engagement.

Addressing a large gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister described the inauguration as a festival of development and progress for the people of Assam and the North East.“When the light of progress reaches every home, every path in life begins to touch new heights,” he said.

Expressing deep emotional attachment to Assam, PM Modi said that the “love and warmth of the people, especially the affection of the mothers and sisters of Assam and the Northeast, continuously inspire and strengthen our collective resolve for the region’s development.”

Referring to the legendary Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the Prime Minister quoted his immortal lines to signify that “the banks of the Brahmaputra will soon shine, darkness will disappear, and progress will illuminate every home.”

He said that just like the mighty Brahmaputra never stops flowing, the stream of development in Assam under the Union and State governments continues uninterrupted.

Infrastructure as Catalyst for Growth

The Prime Minister emphasized that modern airports and advanced connectivity infrastructure act as gateways to new opportunities and possibilities, serving as strong pillars of growing public confidence.“Whenever people in Assam see magnificent highways, bridges, and now a world-class airport coming up, they realize that true justice has finally been done to this region,” PM Modi remarked.He recalled that for past governments, the development of Assam and the North East was never a priority.

“Earlier leaders would ask, ‘Who even goes to Assam and the Northeast? Why should modern infrastructure be built there?’ This mindset created decades of neglect and isolation,” he said.

Correcting those historic mistakes, the Prime Minister asserted that the last eleven years have seen projects worth several lakh crore rupees implemented in Assam and the Northeast, covering key sectors from highways and waterways to digital networks and skill development.

Assam’s Transformation Under Modi Government

Highlighting Assam’s recent achievements, the Prime Minister said the state had become the first in the country to implement the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and had achieved new heights in digital governance by installing over 50 lakh smart prepaid meters. He also lauded the government’s drive against corruption, stating that “today, thousands of young men and women receive government jobs based purely on merit, ending the era of bribery and recommendations.

”Citing a cultural milestone, he recalled the Guinness World Record set in 2023 when over 11,000 artists performed the Bihu dance at Guwahati Stadium, calling it “a proud testimony to Assam’s vibrant heritage and cultural confidence.”

“Assam today stands as the perfect example of development achieved while preserving heritage,” PM Modi said, outlining the symbolic design of the new terminal — which integrates bamboo, greenery, and local artistry to reflect the region’s ecological and cultural ethos.

The airport’s new infrastructure, he said, will allow over 1.25 crore passengers annually, significantly enhancing tourism, convenience for pilgrims visiting Maa Kamakhya Temple, and opportunities for trade and employment.

Linking Tradition with Modernity

The Prime Minister highlighted that the new terminal’s design draws inspiration from Assam’s biodiversity and natural heritage, incorporating an indoor forest concept with extensive bamboo use.

Recalling a major reform introduced by his government, PM Modi noted that in 2017, the Indian Forest Act (1927) was amended to reclassify bamboo grown outside forest areas as “grass” rather than “tree,” encouraging sustainable use by industries and artisans.

“This landmark decision has made possible the magnificent bamboo architecture you see today,” he said.The Prime Minister described modern connectivity as the “foundation of long-term growth,” stating that enhanced transportation infrastructure boosts industry, builds investor confidence, and connects local products with global markets.

“Most importantly, it offers new opportunities and confidence to our youth, who are the architects of India’s future,” he underlined.

Building the Northeast as India’s Growth Gateway

PM Modi expressed satisfaction that Assam and the Northeast are now emerging as the new gateway to India’s development, empowered by the Act East Policy and a strong focus on multi-modal connectivity.

“The region is transforming into a key link between India and ASEAN nations,” he said. “The pace of building bridges, mobile towers, railway links, and digital networks in the Northeast is unprecedented. Where once darkness and neglect prevailed, now there are bridges of progress.”

He cited the construction of four major bridges over the Brahmaputra in the last decade — more than what was achieved in the first 60 years after independence. Projects such as Bogibeel and Dhola–Sadiya bridges, he noted, have made Assam strategically stronger and logistically resilient.

Modern rail connectivity, including the Vande Bharat Express from Guwahati to New Jalpaiguri, and the expansion of inland waterways have reduced travel time and transformed trade links. Cargo movement on the Brahmaputra, he added, has increased by 140 percent, proving that the river is “not merely a symbol of Assam’s spirit but a lifeline of economic power.”

He also mentioned initiatives such as the ship repair facility at Pandu port and the Ganga Vilas Cruise from Varanasi to Dibrugarh, which have placed the Northeast firmly on the global tourism map.

Assam’s History of Resilience and Identity

The Prime Minister also urged citizens to remember the pivotal role played by Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi, Assam’s first Chief Minister, who safeguarded the state’s identity during the pre-independence period. Recalling his recent unveiling of Bordoloi’s statue, PM Modi said:“Shri Bordoloi never compromised on Assam’s identity, future, or dignity. He stood against his own party’s leadership to ensure that Assam remained an inseparable part of India.”

He emphasized that under Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government, Bordoloi was posthumously conferred the Bharat Ratna, recognizing his role in shaping a secure and united Assam.

Criticizing the past for its vote-bank politics and religious appeasement, PM Modi said previous regimes had allowed unchecked infiltration, which disrupted Assam’s demographic balance and endangered its security. He praised the Himanta Biswa Sarma government for working tirelessly to reclaim encroached lands and to ensure that “Assam’s resources benefit its own people.”

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that efforts were underway to identify and remove illegal infiltrators, and warned that opposition parties defending these elements “stand against the interests of Assam’s brothers and sisters.

”Assam as Engine of a Developed India“

Today, the world looks towards India with hope,” the Prime Minister declared, adding that the new sunrise of India’s future will begin from the Northeast. He urged collective participation to make Assam a vital contributor to the vision of a developed India by 2047.“

With the blessings of the people and the strength of shared resolve, Assam will touch new heights and lead India’s journey toward becoming a global growth leader,” PM Modi affirmed.The event was attended by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, K. Rammohan Naidu, Murlidhar Mohol, and Pabitra Margherita, among other dignitaries.

About the New Terminal

The newly completed Integrated Terminal Building spreads across 1,40,000 square metres and can handle up to 13 million passengers annually.Touted as India’s first nature-themed airport terminal, it celebrates the beauty of Assam under the design theme “Bamboo Orchids.” The structure uses 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced bamboo, features Kaziranga-inspired landscapes, rhino motifs, Assamese japi patterns, and 57 orchid-shaped columns reflecting the state flower, Kopou phul.

The terminal also integrates full-body scanners, DigiYatra contactless systems, automated baggage handling, and AI-based operations, setting new benchmarks in convenience, safety, and sustainability.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar