Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited the vibrant coastal city of Kochi today to accelerate the development of Keralam by launching multiple high-impact projects. Highlighting the scale of the investment, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for initiatives totaling approximately ₹11,000 crore.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted that coming to Kochi is always a magnificent experience, stating, "I extend my heartiest congratulations to the people of Keralam for these projects." The Prime Minister highlighted that the goal behind laying the foundation stone of the Polypropylene Unit at the Kochi Refinery today is to make the petroleum sector robust.
This unit is expected to produce four lakh tonnes annually to support the packaging, textile, and medical device industries. Underscoring the strategic importance of this facility, Shri Modi remarked, "To build a self-reliant India, for 'Make in India', the expansion of the petroleum sector is essential."
In a move to bolster India's position as a global manufacturing and technology hub, the Prime Minister linked the nation's progress in AI and semiconductors to the rising demand for sustainable energy. Shri Modi remarked that, with the aim of ensuring Keralam progresses in the field of solar power generation, the foundation stone of a 50 MW Floating Solar Project has been laid in West Kallada today.
Shri Modi remarked that with a very large number of water bodies in Keralam, the state holds great potential in the field of floating solar power. Highlighting the shift toward a greener future, Shri Modi said, "It is our endeavor that Keralam moves further ahead in solar power generation."
The Prime Minister also detailed the significant strides made in regional connectivity through the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and railway electrification. Modernization efforts at Shoranur Junction, Kuttipuram, and Changanassery, along with the new Palakkad–Pollachi train service, are set to transform the travel experience for residents of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Stressing the impact of the national budget on local growth, Shri Modi observed, "Today, the world praises India for the investment being made in modern infrastructure." On road infrastructure, the Prime Minister highlighted how the new six-lane projects, including the Kozhikode Bypass and improved connectivity to Azhikkal Port, will drastically reduce travel time and congestion.
“All these projects will benefit the farmers of Keralam; they will give a boost to tourism and other industries here”, asserted Shri Modi. Concluding his address, the Prime Minister reiterated that every rupee invested in infrastructure serves as a catalyst for large-scale employment for the youth.
Shri Modi expressed his firm belief that these multi-sectoral projects are essential building blocks for a prosperous future for the state. Reinforcing his commitment to the region's progress, Shri Modi concluded, "I am fully confident that these projects will play a pivotal role in fulfilling our resolve for a 'Viksit Keralam'."