Guwahati: The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati entered a new era on Friday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated its newly built terminal, calling it a “celebration of development not just for Assam, but for the entire North-East”.
Before beginning his address, the Prime Minister invited the thousands gathered to switch on the flashlights of their mobile phones, calling it a “festival of development lights”. The crowd enthusiastically responded, turning the venue into a sea of shimmering lights — a striking symbol of hope and progress.
A new dawn for Assam
Speaking warmly to the people of Assam, Modi said his bond with the region and its people, especially the women, fills him with affection and a sense of belonging. Referring to the words of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, he said, “Every wall of darkness will be broken down. This is our promise.” He described the inauguration as a fulfilment of that promise, saying, “Just as the Brahmaputra flows ceaselessly, the stream of development is also flowing in Assam.”
The new terminal of Guwahati airport — named after Assam’s first Chief Minister, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi — stands as proof of this progress. Modi also unveiled a statue of Bordoloi, paying tribute to “the pride of Assam”, who safeguarded the state’s identity and interests during a critical time in history.
“This statue will remind future generations of Bordoloi ji’s courage and inspire them to uphold Assam’s character and spirit,” he said.
Modern infrastructure, rooted in culture
Calling airports and highways “gateways of opportunity”, Modi emphasised how modern infrastructure boosts not just connectivity but also people’s confidence. “When such magnificent highways and airports are built in Assam, one feels that justice is finally being done to the region,” he said.
The new airport terminal embodies this spirit of combining tradition with progress. Designed with an eco-friendly concept, the building includes lush greenery and an indoor forest-like layout meant to evoke calmness. Its design draws heavily from materials and motifs native to Assam — particularly bamboo.
“Bamboo shows both strength and beauty,” the Prime Minister explained, highlighting how outdated laws that once classified bamboo as a tree had stunted its use. “We corrected that mistake by recognising bamboo as a grass — and today, this grand terminal has been built using it as a central element.”
The terminal is expected to handle over 12.5 crore passengers annually, vastly improving air connectivity and tourism potential. The Prime Minister noted that pilgrims travelling to the sacred Kamakhya Temple will now enjoy greater ease, while the influx of tourists will boost the local economy.
Assam’s record-breaking progress
Modi praised Assam for achieving several firsts in recent years, noting that the state leads the country in implementing the new Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, and has installed over 50 lakh smart pre-paid meters to modernise electricity systems.
He also recalled the momentous Bihu celebration last year that saw 11,000 dancers perform together, earning Assam a place in the Guinness World Records. “Such achievements reflect the cultural confidence and progressiveness of Assam,” he said.
On employment, he remarked how the era of corruption and bribery has ended under the current administration. “During Congress rule, getting a government job meant paying a bribe. Today, thousands of youth get jobs on merit.”
Connectivity: from neglect to transformation
The Prime Minister presented a comparison of development between the past and present, pointing out that only three major bridges were built over the Brahmaputra in the first six decades after independence. In contrast, the last decade has seen four mega bridges completed, including the Bogibeel and Dhola-Sadiya bridges.
He also highlighted major railway reforms that have reduced travel time within the region, such as the Vande Bharat Express from Guwahati to New Jalpaiguri. The growth of waterways has turned the Brahmaputra into a channel of “economic power”, with cargo traffic increasing by 140 percent. A new ship repair facility in Pandu and the Ganga Vikas Cruise from Varanasi to Dibrugarh are further boosting connectivity and tourism in the North-East.
“Assam is no longer a remote corner of the map — it’s becoming the Eastern Gateway of India,” Modi announced, underlining the state’s strategic role in connecting India to the ASEAN region under the Act East Policy.
From conflict to confidence
The Prime Minister took a sharp dig at previous governments, accusing them of neglecting the region. “For decades, Congress asked why Assam and the North-East needed modern airports or highways. Because of this mindset, the region lagged behind,” he said.
He claimed the current government’s approach has replaced years of bloodshed and violence with peace and progress. “Where once there were guns, there are now 4G and 5G towers. Districts once seen as trouble spots are becoming aspirational districts,” he said. Modi predicted these areas will soon grow into industrial corridors, creating local jobs and investment.
Preserving Assam’s identity
A significant portion of Modi’s speech focused on protecting Assam’s cultural and demographic identity. Recalling Gopinath Bordoloi’s resistance to attempts to merge Assam with East Pakistan before independence, the Prime Minister accused the Congress of repeatedly undermining the state’s integrity through appeasement politics.
He alleged that illegal infiltration and encroachment have threatened Assam’s resources and demography. Commending Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s efforts, he said, “The state government is reclaiming Assam’s land and ensuring that resources benefit Assamese people.”
He also accused members of the opposition of “defending infiltrators” and warned citizens to remain alert. “We must protect the identity of Assam for which Bordoloi ji sacrificed everything,” he urged.
Assam: the new face of India’s growth
Concluding his address on an optimistic note, the Prime Minister said that India’s march towards becoming the third-largest economy is inseparable from the progress of Assam and the North-East. “The new sunrise of India’s future has to happen from here,” he said.
He described Assam’s transformation — in infrastructure, industry, and cultural pride — as symbolic of India’s journey towards a “Viksit Bharat”, a developed nation by 2047.
“With collective efforts, Assam will rise to new heights,” the Prime Minister declared. “The road to a developed India will be paved through a developed Assam.”