Guwahati, Assam: Marking a historic milestone for Northeast India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Guwahati today for a high-impact two-day visit. On his first day, the Prime Minister unveiled a series of transformative projects worth ₹15,600 crore, headlined by the inauguration of the state-of-the-art “Bamboo Orchids” Terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA).
The “Bamboo Orchids” Terminal: A Global Gateway
The centerpiece of Day 1 was the inauguration of the new integrated terminal building at LGBIA. Spanning 1.4 lakh square metres, the terminal is designed to handle 1.3 crore passengers annually, positioning Guwahati as a major aviation hub for Southeast Asia.
- Eco-Friendly Design: Dubbed India’s first nature-themed airport, the terminal features a unique “Sky Forest” with nearly 1 lakh indigenous plants.
- Cultural Tribute: The architecture uses 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced bamboo and incorporates Assamese motifs like the Japi (traditional hat) and the foxtail orchid (Kopou Phool).
- Smart Tech: The facility is equipped with DigiYatra for contactless travel, AI-driven operations, and automated baggage handling.
Honoring Assam’s Identity: The 80-Foot Gopinath Bordoloi Statue
Upon his arrival, PM Modi unveiled a monumental 80-foot tall statue of Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi, the first Chief Minister of Assam. During his address, the Prime Minister hailed Bordoloi as a “visionary who saved Assam’s identity during Partition,” emphasizing that his government prioritizes “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi” (Development along with Heritage).
Guwahati Roadshow: A Massive Public Connect
Following the airport ceremony, the Prime Minister led a vibrant 3.8-km roadshow through the streets of Guwahati. Thousands of people lined the route to catch a glimpse of the PM, who was greeted with traditional Bihu dances and slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”
The roadshow concluded at Vajpayee Bhawan, the BJP State Headquarters, where the PM held a closed-door meeting with over 280 party leaders. Sources indicate the discussion focused on the upcoming 2026 Assembly Elections and the “Act East” developmental roadmap.
Political Pitch: “Double-Engine” Growth
Addressing a public gathering, PM Modi launched a sharp critique of previous administrations, alleging decades of neglect toward the Northeast.
“For decades, the Northeast was seen as a peripheral region. Today, it is the ‘Ashtalakshmi’ (eight forms of prosperity) leading India’s growth story,” the PM stated.
Here are the key highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Day 1 visit to Assam:
LGBIA New Terminal Inauguration
- Detail: Inaugurated the “Bamboo Orchids” Integrated Terminal at Guwahati Airport, built at a cost of approximately ₹4,000 crore.
- Significance: Boosts annual passenger capacity from 3.4 million to 13 million; serves as India’s first nature-themed airport and a strategic gateway to ASEAN countries.
Gopinath Bordoloi Statue Unveiling
- Detail: Unveiled an 80-foot tall bronze statue (sculpted by the late Ram Sutar) of Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi, Assam’s first Chief Minister.
- Significance: A major cultural tribute to the “Architect of Modern Assam” who secured the state’s identity during the Partition era.
Guwahati Mega Roadshow
- Detail: Led a high-energy 3.8-km roadshow from the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex (Sarusajai) to the state BJP headquarters.
Significance: Demonstrated massive public support and served as a morale booster for the local population and party workers.
BJP Strategy Meeting at Vajpayee Bhawan
- Detail: Conducted a closed-door interaction with approximately 280 party leaders, including MPs, MLAs, and ministers.
- Significance: First-ever visit by a serving PM to the state headquarters; focused on organizational strengthening and planning for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.
