Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new terminal building of the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati on Saturday, calling it a ‘festival of development.’ In a public rally, he described the opening as a transformative step for Assam’s connectivity, economic growth, and global interactions. “Today marks the festival of development and progress of Assam and the northeast. When the light of progress reaches people, every path in life begins to touch new heights,” Modi stated.
Modi quoted renowned musician Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, emphasizing, “The banks of the mighty Brahmaputra river will shine, every wall of darkness will be broken,” asserting that this promise is now being realized. He added that the development stream in Assam continues uninterrupted under both Union and state governments, just like the relentless currents of the Brahmaputra.
During the ceremony, Modi unveiled a towering statue of Gopinath Bordoloi, Assam’s first Chief Minister after Independence, describing him as a leader who never compromised on the state’s identity and interests. “His statue will continue to inspire future generations, instilling in them a deep pride for Assam,” he remarked.
Highlighting the airport’s architecture, Modi noted that modern facilities and advanced infrastructure present gateways to new opportunities. He pointed out the innovative use of bamboo, orchid motifs, and landscapes inspired by Kaziranga, stating that the terminal embodies both development and heritage.
Contrasting his government’s initiatives with what he termed decades of neglect by previous administrations, Modi asserted, “For the previous governments, the development of Assam and the northeast was never on their agenda.” He criticized past leaders for questioning the necessity of modern airports, highways, and railways and mentioned that decades of wrong choices are now being corrected gradually.
The Prime Minister further highlighted that in the last eleven years, projects worth lakhs of crores have been initiated in the northeast, citing Assam’s successful implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the installation of over 50 lakh smart prepaid meters. He recalled the Guinness World Record Bihu performance in Guwahati as a testament to the state’s rich cultural heritage.
“Assam and the entire northeast are becoming the new gateway for India’s development,” Modi said, referring to various infrastructure projects including bridges across the Brahmaputra and the Vande Bharat Express. The new terminal, designed to accommodate 1.3 crore passengers annually, is expected to boost tourism, facilitate pilgrimages to Maa Kamakhya, and create pathways for local products to access global markets.
“Today, the world is looking towards India with hope, and the new sunrise of India’s future is to begin from the northeast. For this, collective efforts are necessary to achieve shared dreams while prioritizing Assam’s development. I have confidence,” he concluded.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/pm-inaugurates-new-airport-terminal-says-it-will-open-up-new-possibilities/articleshow/126097610.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-12-21 00:24:00
