Guwahati, Dec 20 (NationPress) Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared on Saturday that the current administration has not just constructed a new terminal at the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, but has also made significant strides in reducing the travel time between the city and the airport.

Sarma noted that previously, the journey from the Khanapara locality to the airport took a minimum of two hours; however, with the implementation of a six-lane highway, this duration has now been slashed to just 30 minutes.

The Chief Minister emphasized that this achievement was made possible due to the state government's proactive measures to address long-standing issues.

According to Sarma, not too long ago, traveling to the airport was a tedious and time-consuming process, often taking hours, until decisive action was taken to resolve these problems. He lauded the “Double Engine” government of the BJP at both the Central and State levels for driving significant advancements in Assam over the past decade.

On December 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the new terminal building of the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI) in Guwahati, representing a substantial milestone in Assam’s aviation and infrastructure development.

This modern facility is India's first nature-themed airport terminal, designed to showcase Assam’s vibrant natural environment and cultural legacy.

In anticipation of the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi shared on X Friday, emphasizing that the new terminal will greatly enhance passenger capacity and modernize the aviation infrastructure in the Northeast.

The terminal is set up to accommodate over 1.3 crore passengers annually, positioning Guwahati as a pivotal aviation hub for the region.

The new integrated terminal features contemporary passenger amenities, improved circulation areas, and advanced security and baggage handling systems. Its nature-inspired architectural design incorporates elements reflecting Assam’s rivers, forests, and biodiversity, providing travelers with a unique sense of place upon arrival and departure.

In addition to the terminal, significant upgrades have been made to essential airport infrastructure, including enhancements to the runway, airfield systems, aprons, and taxiways, all aimed at improving operational efficiency, safety, and accommodating increasing air traffic. The expanded infrastructure is expected to facilitate larger aircraft operations and enhance punctuality.

The inauguration is part of PM Modi's trip to Assam, during which he is also expected to launch and lay foundation stones for several critical development projects across various sectors, including infrastructure, industry, and connectivity.