UK Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India Dr Andrew Fleming praised the design of the new terminal at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati during his 10th visit to Assam, highlighting its blend of modern infrastructure and distinctive Assamese design elements as UK infrastructure companies visit the state.
Key Takeaways
- UK Deputy High Commissioner Dr Andrew Fleming praised the new Guwahati airport terminal for blending modern design with Assamese elements.
- Fleming’s latest Assam visit is his 10th and coincides with visits by UK infrastructure companies.
- CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said the visit could open a new chapter in UK-Assam ties.
The newly inaugurated airport terminal in Guwahati has attracted international attention, with UK Deputy High Commissioner Dr Andrew Fleming praising its distinctive design and blend of modern and Assamese elements.
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Fleming described the terminal as having “Singapore vibes with an Assamese touch” during his latest visit to Assam. His remarks came as he marked his 10th visit to the state and prepared to engage with a group of UK infrastructure companies visiting Assam this week.
The comments also prompted a warm response from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who linked Fleming’s visit to the prospect of stronger ties between Assam and the United Kingdom.
Assamese Touch in New Guwahati Terminal
Fleming, who serves as the UK Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India, highlighted the airport terminal in a social media post.
He said the current visit marked an anniversary of his association with Assam. He also noted that the trip was particularly significant because several major UK infrastructure companies were visiting the state during the week.
Fleming said he expected the visiting companies to appreciate the new airport terminal.
He compared the facility’s overall ambience with Singapore while pointing to its Assamese character.
“Like me they will surely appreciate the new Guwahati Airport terminal – wow, Singapore vibes with an Assamese touch,” Fleming said.
His observation placed the airport’s architectural character at the centre of his latest interaction with Assam.
Natural plants complement bamboo design
Sarma pointed out that the plants inside the airport terminal are natural.
He said the greenery complements the bamboo used as part of the airport’s design.
“All these plants in the Airport are natural, complementing the bamboos used in the Airport design,” Sarma said.
The comment highlighted one of the distinctive features of the terminal that sets it apart from a conventional modern airport design.
The exchange between the Chief Minister and the British diplomat therefore went beyond a discussion about infrastructure. It also drew attention to the effort to incorporate elements associated with Assam into a major modern facility.
Sarma Links Visit to Stronger UK-Assam Ties
CM Sarma welcomed Fleming to Assam and described the 10th visit as an opportunity to further strengthen the relationship between the state and the UK.
The Chief Minister said he expected the visit to open a “new chapter” in closer UK-Assam ties.
Sarma also connected the state-level engagement with the broader India-UK partnership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Welcome to Assam, H.E Fleming. I am sure this anniversary visit will mark new chapter in closer UK-Assam ties,” Sarma said.
The Chief Minister also responded to Fleming’s comments about the airport with a lighter observation about the terminal’s landscaping and design.
UK Infra Companies Visiting Assam
Fleming’s remarks came at a time when Assam is seeking greater engagement with international investors and infrastructure companies.
Several UK infrastructure firms are expected to visit the state during the week. Their engagement could provide an opportunity to explore areas of cooperation linked to infrastructure and the Northeast’s expanding connectivity.
Fleming’s 10th visit also adds significance to the engagement. His comments suggest that the airport terminal has become part of the broader conversation around Assam’s infrastructure development and its international business outreach.
Airport Becomes Symbol of Assam’s Infra Push
The new terminal at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport has emerged as a prominent example of Assam’s modern infrastructure development.
Its design combines contemporary airport infrastructure with features associated with Assam’s cultural and architectural identity.
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Fleming’s description of the terminal as having “Singapore vibes with an Assamese touch” underlined that combination.
The interaction also offered a glimpse into how Assam is presenting its infrastructure development to international visitors and potential business partners.
With UK infrastructure companies visiting the state and the British diplomat completing his 10th Assam visit, the airport exchange has taken on a wider significance.
It reflects growing international interest in Assam and its potential for infrastructure and business partnerships.