PM Modi lays foundation stone and inaugurates various projects in Kochi, Kerala

Kochi:14/2/21:     The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stone of various projects in Kochi Kerala today. Governor of Kerala, Chief Minister of Kerala, Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministers of State Shri Mansukh Mandaviya , Shri V. Muraleedharanwere present on the occasion.

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 DerivativePetrochemical 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 thirty kilometers on road will become 3.5 kilometers 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 lakh cruise guests. The Prime Minister noted the rise in local tourism due to pandemic related restrictions on international travel. He said this is a great opportunity for added livelihood to those in the local tourism industry and deepening of connection between our culture and our youth. He called upon start-ups to think about innovative tourism-related products. The Prime Minister noted the tourism sector in India has been growing well in the last five years. In the World Tourism Index ranking, India moved from sixty-fifth to thirty-fourth position, said the Prime Minister.

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.

Referring to India’s spirited response to the Corona challenge, the Prime Minister recounted the Government’s effort to help the Indian diaspora especially in the Gulf. He said India is proud of its diaspora in the Gulf. As a part of the and Bharat Mission, over fifty lakh Indians came back home. Many of them were from Kerala. The Prime Minister took the opportunity to thank various Gulf Nations for their sensitive approach to the government of India’s effort to get released many Indians who were in prisons there. “Gulf kingdoms responded to my personal appeals and took special care of our community. They are giving priority to the return of Indians to the region. We have set up air bubbles to facilitate that process. Indians working in the Gulf should know that the full support of my Government is there to ensure their welfare” said the Prime Minister.