The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth Rs 11,000 crore in Kochi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various development projects worth around Rs 11,000 crore in Kochi, saying that the expansion of the petroleum sector is necessary to achieve the goals of self-reliant India and Make in India.
The Prime Minister said that the establishment of a polypropylene unit at the Kochi refinery is a significant step in this direction. The unit will produce around 400,000 tonnes of polypropylene per year, which will benefit multiple industries including packaging, textiles, automobiles, and medical equipment.
He said that India is rapidly becoming a major manufacturing hub and is also growing rapidly in areas like artificial intelligence and semiconductors. Given the increasing demand for energy in these areas, there is a growing emphasis on green and clean energy. He said that India has become one of the leading countries in the world in the field of solar energy.
The Prime Minister stated that in this direction, a 50-megawatt floating solar project has been launched in Western Ghats to promote solar energy in Kerala. He said that due to the large number of water reservoirs in the state, there is immense potential in the field of floating solar energy.
The Prime Minister said that the whole world is appreciating India's investment in modern infrastructure. This year, a record amount has also been allocated for infrastructure in the central government's budget, which is also benefiting Kerala.
He stated that under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Shornur Junction, Kottayam, and Chengannur railway stations have been modernized. Moreover, the electrification of a major portion of the Shornur-Nilambur railway line has been completed. In addition, the Palakkad-Pollachi train service has been started, which provides better facilities to the people of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The Prime Minister said that several important road projects have also been initiated in the state. The six-lane road will improve connectivity to the Azhikkal port, while converting the Kozhikode bypass into six lanes will reduce traffic congestion in the city and reduce travel time.
He said that these projects will benefit the farmers of Kerala and promote industries including tourism. In addition, investment in infrastructure creates new employment opportunities, and these projects will provide employment to thousands of youth in the state.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that all these projects will play an important role in realizing the vision of a developed Kerala.