New Delhi, 11 March (H.S.):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a high-impact visit to Kerala and Tamil Nadu today, inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for development projects worth approximately ₹16,450 crore across vital sectors.

These initiatives span petroleum infrastructure, highways, rural connectivity, railways, and renewable energy, bolstering economic growth and public welfare in the two southern states.

Kerala Engagements

PM Modi will arrive in Ernakulam around 1:30 PM to launch projects valued at ₹10,800 crore, including the foundation stone for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited's (BPCL) ₹5,500 crore-plus polypropylene unit at Kochi Refinery. This 400 kiloton-per-year facility will enhance domestic production for packaging, automobiles, medical devices, and textiles.

He will also inaugurate key highway upgrades like the six-laning of NH-66's Thalapady-Chengala section and Kozhikode Bypass from Vengalam to Ramanattukara, alongside 23 Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) rural roads.

Rail enhancements include redeveloped Amrit Bharat stations at Shoranur Junction, Kuttippuram, and Changanassery; electrification of the Shoranur-Nilambur line; and a new Palakkad-Pollachi train service.

In Kollam, he will lay the foundation for a 50 MW floating solar project to advance clean energy.

Tamil Nadu Highlights

By 5:45 PM, PM Modi will reach Tiruchirappalli to unveil ₹5,650 crore projects, including BPCL's ₹3,680 crore city gas distribution network in Nilgiris and Erode districts, serving over 880,000 households with piped natural gas and 201 CNG stations.

Other milestones feature dedicating Indian Oil Corporation's 672,000 metric tonne-per-year lube blending plant in Chennai's Manali (₹1,490 crore investment), inaugurating 89 PMGSY rural roads (370 km), and a greenfield bypass on NH-81 near Gangaikondacholapuram. He will flag off two Amrit Bharat Express trains, two express trains, and one passenger service to strengthen rail links.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar