Modi launches Rs61b worth projects in Kerala
KOCHI: Ater launching a slew of developmental projects in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation a Rs6,100 crore (Rs61 billion) petrochemical complex of oil major Bharat Petroleum here and Ro-ro vessels of Inland Waterways at Willingdon Islands on Sunday.
During his brief visit to Kerala, the prime minister also inaugurated the Cochin Port Trust’s International Cruise Terminal and Cochin Shipyard’s Vigyana Sagar, a campus for Marine Engineering Training Institute.
Modi also laid the foundation stone for Cochin Port Trust’s South Coal Berth. “We have gathered here to celebrate the development of Kerala and India. The works being inaugurated today cover a wide range of sectors. They will energize the growth trajectory of India,” he said.
Modi said that the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP) to produce Acrylic Acid, Oxo-alcohol and Acrylates, which are predominantly imported at present, would save considerable foreign exchange in years to come.
“Besides, a wide range of industries would gain, and employment opportunities will be generated,” he said. He said the newly launched development projects in Kerala’s Kochi paves the way to the country’s self reliance.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Mansukh L Mandaviya and V Muraleedharan and Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, were among those present at the function held at Ambalamedu near here. “Kerala is always willing to cooperate with Centre for improvement of industry, tourism and infrastructure facilities of the state,” said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in his address.
According to BPCL, the new products have applications in paints and coatings, solvents, adhesives, water treatment chemicals, construction industry and super absorbent polymer among others. The two new Roll-on/roll-off vessels, deployed between Bolgaty and Willingdon Island on National Waterway-3, will have the capacity to carry six 20-feet trucks, three 20-feet trailer trucks, three 40-feet trailer trucks and 30 passengers each.
The service, operated by Inland Waterways Authority, will benefit trade as a result of reduced transportation cost and transit time, and will also lead to reduced congestion on the roads of Kochi, according to industry sources.