Kochi/Chennai, March 9 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kerala and Tamil Nadu on March 11, during which he will inaugurate, dedicate to the nation, lay the foundation stone, and flag off a series of development projects in both states.
According to an official statement, the Prime Minister will first arrive in Ernakulam, Kerala, where he will launch several infrastructure and development projects worth approximately Rs 10,800 crore and address a public gathering around 1:30 p.m.
A key highlight of the programme in Ernakulam will be the laying of the foundation stone for a new polypropylene unit at the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) Kochi Refinery. This project, with an investment of over Rs 5,500 crore, will have a capacity of 400 kilo tonnes per annum.
Polypropylene is a crucial material used in packaging, automotive components, medical devices, textiles, and household products.
The facility is expected to strengthen India's domestic polymer manufacturing capability, reduce import dependence, and create employment opportunities in the region.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate two major highway projects under the National Highways network.
The widening of the Thalapady-Chengala section of National Highway-66, costing over Rs 2,650 crore, is part of the Mumbai-Kanyakumari Economic Corridor. This project will improve connectivity between Kasaragod and Kannur districts, as well as neighbouring regions such as Mangaluru and Muzhapilangad, while also improving access to towns like Kasaragod, Bekal, Payyannur, and Kannur. It is also expected to boost connectivity to the Azhikkal Port and support tourism and trade.
Another significant project is the widening of the Kozhikode Bypass between Vengalam and Ramanattukara, costing approximately Rs 2,140 crore. This project upgrades the existing two-lane road into a six-lane highway with service roads on both sides. It is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety, reducing travel time along this stretch from over an hour to approximately 15-20 minutes.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate 23 rural roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Kerala to improve connectivity in rural and remote areas and enhance access to markets, healthcare, and educational facilities.
He will also inaugurate three redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme – Shoranur Junction, Kuttippuram, and Changanassery – which have been modernized with improved passenger amenities and better accessibility.
Additionally, the Prime Minister will dedicate the Shoranur-Nilambur Road railway line electrification project to the nation, enabling faster and more efficient train operations.
Prime Minister Modi will also flag off a new train service between Palakkad and Pollachi, strengthening rail connectivity between Kerala and Tamil Nadu and benefiting daily commuters, traders, pilgrims, and tourists travelling between the two states.
Another key initiative during the Kerala visit will be the laying of the foundation stone for a 50-MW floating solar project at West Kallada in Kollam district, which is expected to contribute to India's renewable energy targets and support the country's transition towards sustainable and low-carbon energy.
Later in the evening, around 5:45 p.m., PM Modi will travel to Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, where he will inaugurate, dedicate to the nation, and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth approximately Rs 5,650 crore. He will also address a public gathering during the programme.
Among the major initiatives in Tamil Nadu is the laying of the foundation stone for the City Gas Distribution Network of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited in The Nilgiris and Erode districts, with an investment of over Rs 3,680 crore.
This project will provide piped natural gas connections to over 8.8 million households, supply gas to more than 200 commercial establishments, and establish over 201 compressed natural gas stations, significantly expanding the region's clean energy infrastructure.
PM Modi will also dedicate the 672 thousand metric tonnes per annum lube blending plant of Indian Oil Corporation at Manali in Chennai. This plant, with an investment of about Rs 1,490 crore, is expected 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 covering a total length of 370 km in Tamil Nadu to improve connectivity in rural areas and ensure better access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.
The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for a greenfield bypass near Gangaikonda Cholapuram on National Highway-81.
In addition, he will flag off two Amrit Bharat Express trains, two express trains, and a passenger train service, further strengthening rail connectivity between Tamil Nadu and several regions, including Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and eastern India, while supporting regional economic growth and passenger mobility.