Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kochi on Wednesday to dedicate, inaugurate, and lay the foundation stone for various development projects totaling approximately Rs 10,800 crore. These initiatives aim to boost infrastructure, energy, and industrial growth in Kerala. During the inauguration in Ernakulam, PM Modi expressed that the projects, valued at nearly Rs 11,000 crore, are a humble offering to the people of Kerala and will contribute to economic progress and job creation.
One of the significant projects unveiled was the foundation stone laying ceremony for a large polypropylene unit at the Kochi Refinery operated by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited. This unit is projected to produce about four lakh tonnes of polypropylene annually, enhancing India’s petrochemical manufacturing capacity and supporting downstream industries. Additionally, in the transportation sector, PM Modi inaugurated two crucial national highway projects, including the six-laning of the Thalappady–Chengala stretch of National Highway 66 and the Kozhikode Bypass from Vengalam to Ramanattukara, aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing connectivity in Kerala.
PM Modi emphasized India’s evolution into a significant global manufacturing hub across various sectors, from Artificial Intelligence to semiconductors. He stressed the necessity for substantial energy capacity, particularly from renewable sources, to sustain this growth. In line with promoting green energy, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a 50-MW floating solar power project in Kerala, intended to bolster the state’s renewable energy capacity.
Acknowledging India’s rapid infrastructure development, PM Modi highlighted the country’s recognition as a global economic player, supported by substantial budget allocations by the Union government. He noted that Kerala is also benefiting from this national development momentum, with numerous road projects underway to enhance logistics and connectivity, benefiting farmers, traders, and the tourism industry. PM Modi underscored the economic benefits of investing in infrastructure, stating that every rupee spent in this sector generates employment opportunities and economic growth. The newly launched projects are expected to create job opportunities and propel Kerala towards becoming a developed and prosperous state.
