Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Guwahati on Saturday to inaugurate the new terminal of the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. The visit marks a major development in the aviation and infrastructure sector of Assam. The Prime Minister received a grand welcome at the airport on his arrival.
The new terminal of LGBI Airport has been upgraded with modern facilities. The the airport aims to become a major aviation hub for Southeast Asia in the future. The authorities expect that the terminal will help improve connectivity and boost passenger movement across Assam and the North East region.
Soon after landing, the Prime Minister unveiled a 28-foot-tall statue of Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi. Bordoloi is remembered as a prominent leader of the freedom movement and the first Chief Minister of Assam. According to officials, the statue consists of an 18-foot main figure placed over a 10-foot pedestal. It was created by the son of late sculptor Ram V. Sutar. Ram Sutar was regarded as one of India’s most respected sculptors, and the artwork bears his traditional style. 
The welcome ceremony displayed cultural performances by different communities of Assam. Dancers and musicians showcased folk traditions and greeted the Prime Minister as his convoy moved out of the airport. Local organisers said that such performances reflected the cultural unity of the state. Many supporters gathered near the airport area to witness the event.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma received the Prime Minister at the airport. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the Governor of Assam, and senior officials of the civil aviation ministry were present. Industrialist Gautam Adani also attended the event, signalling the growing private sector interest in the aviation infrastructure of the region.
The Prime Minister’s itinerary includes an overnight stay at Koinadhara in Guwahati. Later in the evening, he was expected to hold a meeting with BJP workers at the party’s state office.
On Sunday, December 21, the Prime Minister will visit the Gateway of Guwahati. He will also join the national student interaction programme “Pariksha Pe Charcha” in the morning. According to official schedules, he will pay tribute at Shaheed Smarak Kshetra in Boragaon before flying to Dibrugarh. In Dibrugarh, he will lay the foundation stone of the Namrup Fertiliser Plant. The project is expected to contribute to agricultural development and industrial growth in Assam.
Following the Namrup programme, the Prime Minister will return to New Delhi.
