Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport in Guwahati proudly showcases its new Terminal 2—a cutting-edge facility recognized with the International Architectural Award 2025 in the Transport category. This terminal not only elevates the passenger experience but also stands as a benchmark for sustainable design, cultural integration, and engineering excellence in Indian aviation infrastructure.
Architectural Vision: Symbolism and Structural Innovation
The terminal’s design draws inspiration from the myth of Icarus—the symbol of human flight ambition—and the intricate art of Origami. The expansive, angular roof structure mimics folded paper, creating large column-free spaces essential for smooth passenger flow and operational flexibility.
- Roof Structure: Engineered using lightweight steel trusses arranged in a geometric pattern, the roof spans over 60 meters without intermediate columns, allowing an unobstructed interior.
- Aluminum Modular Paneling: The baggage claim area features modular aluminum panels that reduce weight and simplify maintenance. Their design mirrors the region’s rolling hills through subtle textures and gradients.
- Flooring Patterns: Locally sourced granite and terrazzo tiles reflect the Northeast’s topography and natural colors, blending aesthetics with durability.
Sustainability Features: Engineering for a Greener Future
Terminal 2 is certified with GRIHA 4-Star—India’s leading green building rating system—achieved through several advanced systems:
- Daylight Optimization: The terminal’s facade incorporates high-span, low-iron glass walls that allow maximum natural light without compromising thermal insulation. This reduces reliance on artificial lighting by up to 40% during daytime.
- Thermal Control: Semi-unitized double-glass curtain walls with low-emissivity coatings reduce heat gain, lowering HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) energy consumption by approximately 25%.
- Passive Cooling: Perforated aluminum sunshades and deep overhangs shade windows and reduce solar heat, complementing natural ventilation strategies.
- Rainwater Harvesting System: The terminal captures rainwater from the expansive roof through a network of gutters and channels, storing over 20 million liters annually in underground reservoirs. This water is reused for landscaping, toilet flushing, and cooling towers.
- Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP): An on-site advanced WWTP treats greywater and blackwater, recycling 80% of wastewater back into non-potable uses, drastically cutting freshwater demand.
- Material Selection: Bamboo, an abundant regional resource, is used structurally in non-critical areas and decoratively. Its carbon-negative properties help reduce the building’s overall carbon footprint.
- Construction Dust Control: During the build phase, continuous water misting, dust screens, and covered material storage minimized particulate pollution, ensuring compliance with environmental norms.
Advanced Passenger Handling & Airport Technology
Terminal 2’s design is engineered to handle a massive increase in passenger volume while ensuring comfort and operational efficiency.
- Passenger Capacity: The terminal expands the airport’s capacity to 13 million passengers annually, a six-fold increase from the previous terminal.
- Peak Hour Handling: Designed to manage 4,500 passengers during peak hours (4,300 domestic and 200 international), ensuring smooth flow without congestion.
- Check-in Counters & Self-Service Kiosks: 64 counters are supported by 20 self-service kiosks, enabling fast check-ins and reducing queue times by up to 35%.
- Automated Baggage Handling System: The terminal is equipped with a state-of-the-art automated inline baggage system capable of processing 2,400 bags per hour with high security and precision sorting. This system reduces lost luggage incidents and speeds up baggage delivery.
- Aerobridges & Boarding: Ten aerobridges provide sheltered boarding, improving passenger convenience and reducing delays during adverse weather.
- Smart Passenger Flow Design: Intuitive wayfinding, wide corridors, and strategically placed escalators and elevators optimize movement from curbside to gates, minimizing bottlenecks.
- Advanced Security Screening: The terminal features next-generation scanning systems that speed up security checks without compromising safety.
Cultural Integration: Showcasing Assam’s Rich Heritage
Terminal 2 is not just functional but also deeply symbolic of Assamese identity:
- Foxtail Orchid (Kopou Phul): The terminal’s curved rooflines and interior arches mimic the shape of Assam’s state flower, representing resilience and renewal.
- Bamboo Elements: Structural and decorative bamboo-inspired motifs honor Assam’s traditional building materials, symbolizing strength and sustainability.
- Gamocha Motifs: The famous red-and-white traditional patterns appear in wall claddings and fabrics, creating an immediate cultural connection for travelers.
- Dedicated Cultural Spaces: The “Craft Village” within the terminal offers travelers a chance to experience local handicrafts, textiles, and cuisine. The “Namaskar Atrium” serves as a welcoming space that blends hospitality with tradition.
The Sky Forest: A Living Green Oasis
At the heart of Terminal 2 is the Sky Forest—a 90-foot-high indoor rainforest that passengers walk through during arrival and departure. This biophilic design serves several purposes:
- Air Quality Improvement: The plants naturally filter airborne pollutants and increase oxygen levels.
- Noise Reduction: The dense foliage acts as an acoustic buffer, reducing ambient noise by up to 15 decibels.
- Psychological Benefits: Exposure to greenery helps reduce travel-related stress and creates a calming atmosphere.
Vertical gardens and indoor green pockets throughout the terminal further enhance this natural environment.
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Total Area | 140,000 square meters | Large capacity and operational space |
| Annual Passenger Capacity | 13 million passengers | Major regional aviation hub |
| Peak Hour Passenger Flow | 4,500 passengers (domestic + international) | Efficient crowd management |
| Check-in Counters | 64 counters | Fast processing |
| Self-Service Kiosks | 20 kiosks | Convenience and reduced wait times |
| Automated Baggage System | 2,400 bags/hour | Secure and quick baggage handling |
| Aerobridges | 10 | Weather-safe, comfortable boarding |
| GRIHA Certification | 4-Star Sustainable Design | Environmentally responsible |
| Rainwater Harvesting Capacity | Over 20 million liters/year | Water conservation |
| Wastewater Recycling | 80% greywater reuse | Reduced freshwater demand |
Conclusion: A Model for Future Airports in India
Guwahati Airport’s Terminal 2 exemplifies how airports can grow sustainably while honoring regional culture. Its advanced engineering, passenger-centric design, and strong green credentials make it a standout project in India’s aviation sector. The terminal not only meets today’s demands for efficient travel but also embraces a vision for a sustainable and culturally rich future.
As the gateway to Northeast India, Terminal 2 offers travelers a seamless journey marked by comfort, environmental responsibility, and a deep connection to Assam’s herit
