Kochi: Narendra Modi received an enthusiastic welcome in Kochi as thousands gathered to witness his vibrant roadshow in the city. The roadshow began from the entrance of Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, where large crowds of supporters and Bharatiya Janata Party workers lined the streets to greet the Prime Minister. Later, addressing a gathering at the stadium, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for major development projects worth ₹10,800 crore, stating that the initiatives will significantly accelerate Kerala’s growth.
Among the key projects inaugurated were the six-lane Talapady–Chengala stretch of National Highway 66 and the six-lane Vengalam–Ramanattukara stretch of the Kozhikode bypass. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, the renovated railway stations at Shoranur Junction railway station, Kuttippuram railway station and Changanassery railway station were also inaugurated. The Prime Minister additionally dedicated the electrification of the Shoranur–Nilambur Road railway line and flagged off a new train service between Palakkad and Pollachi.
Modi also laid the foundation stone for a ₹5,500-crore polypropylene plant at the Kochi Refinery of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, which is expected to produce around 4 lakh tonnes of polypropylene annually. Emphasising India’s rapid progress in emerging sectors, PM highlighted the country’s advances in artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology and solar energy.
The Prime Minister further announced the foundation for a 50-MW floating solar power project at West Kallada in Kollam district. Noting that Kerala is blessed with numerous water bodies, PM said floating solar projects could play a major role in boosting the state’s energy production. According to Modi, the projects launched today will strengthen agriculture, industry and tourism, while also creating thousands of employment opportunities for Kerala’s youth through increased investment in infrastructure.
