The Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stone of various projects in Kochi, Kerala. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the works inaugurated today cover a wide range of sectors. They will energise the growth trajectory of India. He said that Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP), inaugurated today, will help strengthen India’s journey towards being Aatmanirbhar as it will save foreign exchange. A wide range of industries would gain, and employment opportunities would be generated. Similarly, with Ro-Ro Vessels, a distance of almost 30 km on road will become 3.5 km through waterways leading to less congestion and more convenience, commerce and capacity-building.
The Prime Minister asserted that the Government of India is undertaking many efforts to improve tourism related infrastructure in Kerala. The inauguration of Sagarika, the International Cruise Terminal in Kochi is one example of this. Sagarika Cruise Terminal will cater to over a lakh cruise guests. The Prime Minister noted the rise in local tourism due to pandemic related restrictions on international travel. Prime Minister said capacity building and future ready infrastructure are two important factors for national development. Today’s development works of ‘Vigyan Sagar” and reconstruction of the South Coal Berth will contribute to both these factors. Vigyan Sagar, the new knowledge campus of Cochin Shipyard would particularly help those wanting to study marine engineering. South Coal Berth would bring down logistics costs and improve cargo capacities.
Through the National Infrastructure Pipeline, Rs 110 lakh crore ($ 1.51 trillion) is being invested for infra creation. The Prime Minister said that this year’s Budget has devoted significant resources and schemes that will benefit Kerala. This includes the next phase of the Kochi Metro.