Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 11 inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth around Rs11,000 crore in Kochi, aimed at strengthening infrastructure, boosting tourism and accelerating industrial growth in Kerala.
Addressing a public gathering in the Ernakulam district, the Prime Minister said the projects would enhance connectivity, promote clean energy and create employment opportunities while contributing to the vision of a developed state. “Coming to Kochi is always a magnificent experience. I congratulate the people of Kerala for these projects that will accelerate the state’s development,” PM Modi said.
A key highlight of the event was the foundation stone for a polypropylene unit at the Kochi Refinery, which is expected to produce about four lakh tonnes annually. The facility will support sectors such as packaging, textiles, automobiles and medical devices. PM Modi said strengthening the petroleum sector is essential for advancing the Government’s initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
He also laid the foundation stone for a 50-megawatt floating solar power project at West Kallada, highlighting Kerala’s potential in solar energy due to its large number of water bodies.
He noted that as India expands in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors, the demand for clean and sustainable energy will continue to rise. “It is our endeavour that Kerala moves further ahead in solar power generation,” PM Modi said. Several railway infrastructure upgrades were also announced under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, including the modernisation of Shoranur Junction railway station, Kuttippuram railway station, and Changanassery railway station.
The electrification of a major section of the Shoranur-Nilambur railway line was also completed. Additionally, a new Palakkad-Pollachi train service was launched to improve connectivity between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
On road infrastructure, the Prime Minister highlighted projects such as improved connectivity to Azhikkal Port and the six-lane Kozhikode Bypass, which are expected to reduce travel time and ease traffic congestion.
PM Modi said the global community is recognising India’s growing investment in modern infrastructure and noted that the latest Union Budget has allocated record funds for infrastructure development.
P rime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for a political shift in Kerala, saying the state, which he repeatedly referred to as ‘Keralam’, stands at a crucial moment in the 21st century and needs a “new beginning” beyond the alternating rule of the two traditional political fronts. Addressing a convention of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Kochi, PM Modi said the NDA Government at the Centre had ensured that the state’s name is officially recognised as ‘Keralam,’ adding that the move reflected respect for the state’s cultural identity.
“People across the world will now refer to Kerala as Keralam, and this has been made possible by the NDA government,” the Prime Minister said.
