Guwahati Airport: Marking a transformative milestone in Assam’s connectivity, economic expansion and global engagement, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Terminal Building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shri Modi said that today marks the festival of development and progress of Assam and the North East. He highlighted that when the light of progress reaches people, every path in life begins to touch new heights.
The Prime Minister further remarked that his deep attachment to the land of Assam, the love and affection of its people, and especially the warmth and belongingness of the mothers and sisters of Assam and the Northeast continuously inspire him and strengthen the collective resolve for the development of the region. He highlighted that today once again a new chapter is being added in Assam’s development. Referring to Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika’s lines, Shri Modi emphasized that this means the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra river will shine, every wall of darkness will be broken, and this will certainly happen as it is the nation’s resolve and solemn pledge.
Highlighting that Bhupen Hazarika’s lines were not merely a song but a solemn resolve of every great soul who loved Assam, and today this resolve is being fulfilled, Shri Modi remarked that just as the mighty currents of the Brahmaputra never stop, similarly under their governments at the Union and State, the stream of development in Assam continues uninterrupted. He stated that the inauguration of the new terminal at the Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi Airport stands as proof of this commitment, and extended congratulations to the people of Assam and the nation for this new terminal building.
The Prime Minister further remarked that a short while ago he had the privilege of unveiling the statue of Gopinath Bardoloi, Assam’s first Chief Minister and a source of pride for the state. He emphasized that Shri Bardoloi never compromised on Assam’s identity, future, and interests, and his statue will continue to inspire future generations, instilling in them a deep sense of pride for Assam.
“Modern airport facilities and advanced connectivity infrastructure serve as gateways to new possibilities and opportunities for any state, and stand as pillars of growing confidence and trust among the people”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He remarked that when people witness the construction of magnificent highways and airports in Assam, they themselves acknowledge that true justice for Assam has finally begun. He contrasted this with the past, stating that for the previous governments, the development of Assam and the Northeast was never on their agenda. He noted that leaders in those governments used to say, “Who even goes to Assam and the Northeast?” and questioned the need for modern airports, highways, and better railways in the region. The Prime Minister emphasized that this mindset led the opposition to neglect the entire region for decades.
Underlining that with this new terminal building, the capacity of Guwahati and Assam will increase significantly, enabling more than 1.25 crore passengers to travel annually, Shri Modi highlighted that this will also allow a large number of tourists to visit Assam and make it easier for devotees to have darshan of Maa Kamakhya. He stated that stepping into this new airport terminal clearly reflects the true meaning of the mantra of development along with heritage.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the airport has been designed keeping in mind Assam’s nature and culture, with greenery inside and arrangements resembling an indoor forest. He noted that the design is connected to nature all around so that every passenger feels peace and comfort. He further highlighted the special use of bamboo in the construction, underscoring that bamboo is an integral part of life in Assam, symbolizing both strength and beauty. Shri Modi also recalled that their government in a landmark move in 2017, amended the Indian Forest Act, 1927, to legally reclassify bamboo grown in non-forest areas as a “grass” instead of a “tree”. This move, he said, has led to the creation of a wonderful structure in the form of a new Terminal today.
Underscoring the development of infrastructure carries a very significant message, the Prime Minister highlighted that it boosts industries, gives investors confidence in connectivity, and opens pathways for local products to reach global markets. He emphasized that the greatest assurance is given to the youth, for whom new opportunities are created. “Today, Assam is seen advancing on this very flight of limitless possibilities”, stated the Prime Minister.
Criticizing the previous governments for keeping Assam and the Northeast away from development, Shri Modi said the nation had to pay a heavy price in terms of security, unity, and integrity. He highlighted that under opposition rule, violence thrived for decades, whereas in the last 10–11 years efforts are being made to end it. He stated that where once violence and bloodshed prevailed in the Northeast, today digital connectivity through 4G and 5G technology is reaching these areas. The Prime Minister emphasized that districts once considered violence-affected are now developing as aspirational districts, and in the coming times these very regions will become industrial corridors. He underlined that a new confidence has arisen regarding the Northeast, and stressed the need to strengthen it further.
The Prime Minister remarked that while Shri Bardoloi ji had saved Assam before independence, the first ruling dispensation in the post- independence era once again began anti-Assam and anti-national activities thereafter. He highlighted that they conspired to expand their vote bank through religious appeasement, giving free rein to infiltrators in Bengal and Assam. He stated that the region’s demography was altered, and these infiltrators encroached upon forests and lands. The Prime Minister emphasized that as a result, the security and identity of the entire state of Assam were put at risk.
Shri Modi remarked that the government under Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma is working diligently to free Assam’s resources from illegal and anti-national encroachments. He highlighted that efforts are being made at every level to ensure Assam’s resources benefit the people of Assam. He stated that the Union government has also taken strict measures to stop infiltration, with identification processes underway to remove illegal infiltrators.
“Today the world is looking towards India with hope, and the new sunrise of India’s future is to begin from the Northeast’, affirmed Shri Modi. He highlighted that for this, collective efforts are required to work towards shared dreams, with Assam’s development kept at the forefront. He expressed confidence that these joint endeavors will take Assam to new heights and fulfill the vision of a developed India. Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister once again extended congratulations on the inauguration of the new terminal.
Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Shri K Rammohan Naidu, Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Shri Pabitra Margherita were present among other dignitaries at the event.
