Kochi, March 11 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday officially dedicated and launched various development initiatives valued at approximately Rs 10,800 crore in Kochi, signaling a substantial advancement in infrastructure, energy, and industrial progress in Kerala.

During his address following the inauguration in Ernakulam, the Prime Minister stated that the combined worth of the initiatives, nearly Rs 11,000 crore, was being presented 'with humility' to the citizens of Kerala, aiming to foster economic growth and increase employment opportunities.

Among the prominent projects inaugurated was the foundation stone for a significant polypropylene unit at the Kochi Refinery, managed by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited.

This new facility is projected to produce about four lakh tonnes of polypropylene each year, enhancing India's petrochemical manufacturing capabilities and supporting related industries.

In the transportation domain, PM Modi inaugurated two crucial national highway projects: the six-laning of the Thalappady–Chengala stretch of National Highway 66 and the six-laning of the Kozhikode Bypass from Vengalam to Ramanattukara.

These developments are expected to alleviate traffic congestion along Kerala's coastal corridor while enhancing connectivity to the northern regions of the state.

Highlighting India's economic transformation, PM Modi remarked that the nation has established itself as a significant global manufacturing center across various sectors, including Artificial Intelligence and semiconductors.

To sustain this growth, he emphasized the necessity for substantial energy capacity, particularly from renewable sources.

As part of the green energy initiative, the Prime Minister also laid the groundwork for a 50-MW floating solar power project in Kerala, aimed at augmenting the state's renewable energy output.

PM Modi asserted that the global community now recognizes India's swift advancements in infrastructure development, propelled by unprecedented budget allocations from the Union government.

He noted that Kerala is reaping the benefits of this national development drive.

Numerous major road projects across the state are being approved, which will aid farmers, traders, and the tourism sector by improving logistics and connectivity.

Stressing the economic multiplier effect of infrastructure investments, the Prime Minister stated that every rupee spent in this sector generates jobs and stimulates economic activity.

He concluded that the newly initiated projects would create job opportunities and inject fresh momentum into the vision of a developed and prosperous Kerala.