By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, FEB 15, 2021: PRIME Minister Mr Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stone of various projects in Kerala on Sunday, joined by Chief Minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor Mr Arif Mohammad Khan.

In Kerala, he dedicated to the nation, the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP) of Bharat Petroleum, launched the Ro-Ro vessels to be operated on a 3.5-km route between Willigndon Island and Bolghatty and inaugurated Sagarika International Cruise Terminal. He also inaugurated the Marine Engineering Training Institute at Cochin and 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 energise the growth trajectory of India," he said.

The PDPP will help strengthen India's journey towards being Aatmanirbhar (self-reliance) as it will save foreign exchange. A wide range of industries would benefit, and employment opportunities would be generated, he said.

Mr Modi also urged people to travel domestically and lauded the growth of India's tourism sector, and its jump to the 34th position from the earlier 65th on the World Tourism Index.

Talking about tourism in Kerala, he said the Sagarika Cruise Terminal would bring "comfort and convenience" for the over 1 lakh cruise guest who use Cochin as a transit point.

"Local tourism has facilitated added livelihood to people in local tourism industry and also forges stronger ties between our youth and their culture. I urge our young start-up friends to think about innovative tourism related products," he said.

The Prime Minister said the scope and definition of infrastructure has changed as capacity building and future-ready infrastructure have become two important factors.

"It is beyond only good roads; development works and connectivity between a few urban centres. We are looking at quantity and top-quality infrastructure for the coming generations," the Prime Minister added.

Through the National Infrastructure Pipeline, Rs. 110 lakh crore is being invested for infrastructure creation with a special focus on the development of the ‘Blue Economy' along the coasts.

The PM said, "Our vision and work in this sector includes: more ports, improving infrastructure in current ports, off-shore energy, sustainable coastal development and coastal connectivity."

He also assured the Indian diaspora in Gulf countries that the government is committed to their welfare. As a part of the Vande Bharat Mission during the pandemic, over 50 lakh Indians came back home - many of whom were from Kerala, he noted.

Mr Modi said the Centre has earmarked funds in Budget 2021-22 for several development projects in Kerala, including the second phase of the Kochi metro rail project.