Last Updated on March 11, 2026 9:40 pm by BIZNAMA NEWS
AMN / NEWS DESK
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth around ₹11,000 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.
Focus on petroleum and manufacturing sector
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.
Push for renewable energy
The Prime Minister 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.
Rail and road connectivity projects
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.
Infrastructure investment to create jobs
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.
He added that Kerala is benefiting significantly from these investments, which are expected to support farmers, strengthen tourism and expand industrial activity.
“Every rupee invested in infrastructure generates employment and opportunities for youth,” the Prime Minister said, expressing confidence that the projects would contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and a “Viksit Kerala.”
PM Modi unveils development projects worth Rs 5,650 crore in Tamil Nadu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated, dedicated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth around ₹5,650 crore in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli.
The projects span clean energy, petroleum-related manufacturing, highways, railways and rural road connectivity, aimed at boosting infrastructure, improving energy access and creating employment opportunities in the state.
Addressing a public gathering in the historic city of Tiruchirappalli, the Prime Minister said the initiatives would strengthen connectivity and generate thousands of jobs for young people.
City gas network for Nilgiris and Erode
Among the key projects, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a City Gas Distribution (CGD) network by Bharat Petroleum with an investment of about ₹3,700 crore.
The project will cover the Nilgiris and Erode districts and provide piped natural gas (PNG) to nearly nine lakh households as well as several commercial establishments.
Highlighting its environmental impact, the Prime Minister said the project’s positive effect over eight years would be equivalent to planting around four crore trees, as natural gas is a cleaner fuel that helps reduce air pollution.
IOC lube blending plant dedicated to the nation
The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation the Lube Blending Plant in Chennai of Indian Oil Corporation Limited.
Describing it as one of the world’s largest facilities of its kind, PM Modi said the plant would cater to lubricant demand from multiple industries within and outside Tamil Nadu while reducing import dependence and strengthening the “Make in India” initiative.
Rural road connectivity under PMGSY
As part of efforts to improve rural infrastructure, the Prime Minister inaugurated 370 kilometres of rural roads built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
The roads are expected to improve connectivity to healthcare facilities, educational institutions and markets for rural communities, thereby strengthening the rural economy.
“Each road lifts the rural economy and increases ease of living,” the Prime Minister said.
Highway bypass near Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a new highway bypass at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, home to a UNESCO-recognised temple built by Chola emperor Rajendra Chola.
The project aims to divert heavy traffic away from the historic temple complex, improving safety for pilgrims and tourists while protecting the heritage site.
New train services flagged off
During the visit, the Prime Minister flagged off several new train services connecting major towns including Nagercoil, Coimbatore, Rameswaram, Tirunelveli, Mayiladuthurai and Karaikkudi with other regions.
The new rail links are expected to boost tourism, support local trade and create employment opportunities.
PM Modi also highlighted the recent modernisation and redevelopment of eight railway stations in Tamil Nadu under the Amrit Bharat programme, aimed at upgrading passenger infrastructure.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the state’s development, saying the goal is to build a developed Tamil Nadu as part of a developed India.
