A New Era in Aviation: The Inauguration of Terminal 2 at Guwahati Airport
Transforming Aspirations into Reality
It's fascinating to observe how the romantic dreams of our youth evolve into the everyday realities of adulthood. Amid our hectic lives, we often overlook that many of our current experiences and possessions were once mere aspirations.
Air travel has become a vital part of my life, enabling me to serve our community and country. In my childhood, witnessing an airplane soar over our modest home in Margherita sparked immense curiosity and desire.
As time passed, my dreams shifted from merely wanting to see an aircraft to yearning to experience flying in one. I vividly recall the anxious moments leading up to my inaugural flight, including a friend's guidance on how to buckle a seatbelt on board.
Years have flown by since that first journey, and now, the people of Assam and the entire northeastern region are preparing for a transformative era in aviation.
The launch of Terminal 2 at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA) signifies a new chapter of connectivity and development for Assam and the Northeast. The event is particularly noteworthy as it is inaugurated by the esteemed Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This leader has consistently shown a strong dedication to the region's advancement, and the opening of this modern airport terminal is a clear indication of ongoing commitment.
The Modi administration's focus on enhancing aviation in the region has already produced impressive outcomes. Thanks to the UDAN regional air connectivity initiative, the number of airports across the nation has surged from 74 to 160.
In the Northeast, operational airports have increased from nine in 2014 to 16 today. Additionally, aircraft movements in the region have nearly doubled, rising from 51,000 in 2014 to over 96,000 in 2024.
A remarkable highlight of this growth is the five-fold rise in international traffic from Guwahati over the past year, showcasing Assam's potential as a significant gateway under India's Act East policy.
While these figures illustrate progress, the real significance lies in how this development has empowered everyday citizens to explore new horizons.
Whether it's a family from Dibrugarh traveling to Agartala or a student from Guwahati flying to Lakhimpur Medical College, enhanced aviation infrastructure has bridged distances, fostering economic growth, boosting tourism, improving healthcare access, facilitating educational and professional exchanges, and reuniting families.
The inauguration of Terminal 2 at Guwahati airport marks another crucial milestone in the Northeast's development journey.
This new terminal is designed to accommodate the rising aspirations of the region, doubling the airport's capacity to handle 13.1 million passengers annually. It was conceived as a facility equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure to ensure smooth and comfortable travel.
Equally significant is how the terminal embodies the cultural essence of Assam and the Northeast. The extensive use of locally sourced, sustainable materials, including various types of bamboo, reflects the region's traditional commitment to sustainability.
The terminal's unique design, inspired by the 'Kopou Phool' or Foxtail Orchid, is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors to our beautiful land. As visitor numbers continue to rise, I am optimistic that the stories of our region will flourish alongside them.
Pabitra Margherita