Kochi/Chennai, March 9 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a visit to Kerala and Tamil Nadu on March 11. During this trip, he will inaugurate, dedicate, lay the groundwork for, and launch a series of development initiatives across the two states.

As per an official announcement, the Prime Minister will first arrive in Ernakulam, Kerala, where at approximately 1:30 p.m., he will unveil numerous infrastructure and development projects totaling around Rs 10,800 crore and address a gathering of citizens.

A key highlight of the event in Ernakulam will be the foundation stone laying for a new polypropylene manufacturing unit at the Kochi Refinery of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). The project, which involves an investment exceeding Rs 5,500 crore, will have an annual capacity of 400 kilo tonnes.

Polypropylene is an essential material utilized in packaging, automotive components, medical devices, textiles, and household items.

This facility is anticipated to bolster India’s domestic polymer production capabilities, lessen reliance on imports, and generate job opportunities in the local area.

The Prime Minister will also inaugurate two significant highway projects as part of the National Highways network.

The six-laning of the Thalapady–Chengala section of NH-66, developed at a cost exceeding Rs 2,650 crore, is part of the Mumbai–Kanyakumari Economic Corridor. This project will enhance connectivity between Kasaragod and Kannur districts, as well as neighboring areas like Mangaluru and Muzhapilangad. It aims to improve access to towns such as Kasaragod, Bekal, Payyannur, and Kannur, while also boosting connectivity to Azhikkal Port and promoting tourism and trade.

Another vital initiative involves the six-laning of the Kozhikode Bypass between Vengalam and Ramanattukara, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 2,140 crore. This project will transform the existing undivided two-lane road into a six-lane highway with service lanes on both sides, significantly alleviating traffic congestion and enhancing road safety, reducing travel time on this route from over an hour to about 15–20 minutes.

The Prime Minister will also inaugurate 23 rural roads built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Kerala, aimed at improving connectivity in rural and remote areas while enhancing access to markets, healthcare, and educational institutions.

Additionally, he will inaugurate three revamped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme — Shoranur Junction, Kuttippuram, and Changanassery — which have been upgraded with better passenger amenities and improved accessibility.

Moreover, the Prime Minister will dedicate the Shoranur–Nilambur Road railway line electrification project to the nation, facilitating faster and more efficient train operations.

Prime Minister Modi will also flag off a new train service between Palakkad and Pollachi, enhancing rail connectivity between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, benefiting daily commuters, traders, pilgrims, and tourists traveling between the states.

Another significant initiative during his visit to Kerala will be the foundation stone laying for a 50-MW floating solar project at West Kallada in Kollam district, which is expected to aid India’s renewable energy objectives and support the nation's transition toward sustainable and low-carbon energy.

Later in the day, around 5:45 p.m., PM Modi will head to Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, where he will inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stone for development projects valued at approximately Rs 5,650 crore. He will also address a public assembly during the event.

Among the significant initiatives in Tamil Nadu is the foundation stone laying for the City Gas Distribution Network of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited in The Nilgiris and Erode districts, with an investment exceeding Rs 3,680 crore.

This project will provide piped natural gas connections to over 8.8 lakh households, supply gas to more than 200 commercial entities, and establish over 201 compressed natural gas stations, considerably enhancing the region's clean energy infrastructure.

PM Modi will also dedicate the 672 thousand metric tonnes per annum lube blending plant of the Indian Oil Corporation in Manali, Chennai. Developed at an investment of about Rs 1,490 crore, the plant is poised to strengthen India’s lubricants manufacturing capacity and support industrial growth.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, the Prime Minister will inaugurate 89 rural roads spanning a total length of 370 km in Tamil Nadu, enhancing connectivity in rural areas and ensuring improved access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Furthermore, he will lay the foundation stone for a greenfield bypass near Gangaikonda Cholapuram on National Highway-81.

Additionally, he will flag off two Amrit Bharat Express trains, two express trains, and a passenger train service, further bolstering rail connectivity between Tamil Nadu and various regions including Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and eastern India, thus fostering regional economic development and enhancing passenger mobility.