How Will Guwahati Airport's New Terminal Unlock Southeast Asia Connectivity?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated a new terminal. This is at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA), Guwahati. The facility is a major boost to India's aviation infrastructure. It is set to transform air travel in the Northeast.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu praised the milestone. He called the new terminal world-class. It aligns with the 'Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi' vision. This means development alongside heritage preservation.

Capacity and Strategic Growth

The new terminal is an integrated facility. It is designed to handle 13.1 million passengers annually (MPPA). This is a six-fold increase in capacity. The upgrade addresses rising passenger traffic demand. It strengthens Guwahati's role as a critical hub.

The airport is a key gateway to Southeast Asia. This supports India's 'Act East Policy'. The expansion will boost regional trade and tourism. The overall project investment is about ₹5,000 crore.

Design and Operational Enhancements

LGBIA's new facility is India's first nature-themed terminal design. It is officially named "The Bamboo Orchids." The design is inspired by Assam's biodiversity. It features the kopou phool (foxtail orchid) motif. About 140 metric tonnes of local bamboo were used.

• Sustainability Focus: The terminal uses eco-friendly materials. It incorporates solar power and green walls.
• Technology: Features include DigiYatra enabled processing. Smart check-in systems enhance efficiency.
• Runway Capacity: The parallel taxiway will increase capacity. Air traffic movements will rise to 34 per hour. This is up from the current 18 ATMs.

Outlook for Airlines and Passengers

The increased capacity benefits all aviation stakeholders. Airlines can plan more routes to Southeast Asia. This opens new markets for cargo and passengers. The airport is managed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited. They aim to develop MRO facilities. This creates new job opportunities in the region. Passengers will experience reduced congestion and better facilities. The new terminal is a major step for Northeast India connectivity. For more details on regional aviation development, check the latest commercial aviation news.