Modi, addressing an official event in Kochi after laying foundation stones for projects worth about Rs 11,000 crore, said India has already established itself as one of the world’s leading nations in solar power generation and highlighted the potential for expanding floating solar projects in the state.Also Read: PM Modi says Kerala’s new identity a joyful moment for “Malayali” brothers, appreciates fishermen
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a 50-MW floating solar power project at West Kallada in Kollam district, which aims to harness Kerala’s abundant water bodies to boost renewable energy capacity.
“Every such endeavour requires greater energy — specifically, an ever-increasing supply of green and clean energy,” Modi said, adding that the project would contribute to India’s broader sustainability and clean-energy goals.
Modi also laid the foundation stone for a polypropylene unit at the Kochi refinery of Bharat Petroleum Corporation with an investment of over Rs 5,500 crore, aimed at strengthening India’s petrochemicals ecosystem.
In the road infrastructure sector, the Prime Minister inaugurated the six-laning of the Thalapady–Chengala stretch of NH-66, built at a cost of more than ₹2,650 crore. The corridor forms part of the Mumbai–Kanyakumari economic corridor and is expected to improve connectivity between Kasaragod and Kannur districts as well as neighbouring regions such as Mangaluru and Muzhapilangad.
He also inaugurated the six-lane Kozhikode bypass between Vengalam and Ramanattukara, built at a cost of around Rs 2,140 crore. The project upgrades the existing two-lane road into a six-lane highway with service roads on both sides, reducing travel time from more than an hour to around 15–20 minutes while improving access to key destinations such as Kozhikode Beach, Beypore Port and Kappad Beach.Highlighting railway infrastructure, Modi inaugurated three redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme — Shoranur Junction, Kuttippuram and Changanassery — which integrate modern passenger amenities with local architectural elements.
He also dedicated to the nation the electrification of the Shoranur–Nilambur railway line, which will enable faster train operations by eliminating locomotive changes at Shoranur.Also Read: ‘India doesn’t leave its people in trouble,’ assures PM Modi amid Middle East conflict, accuses Congress of politicising war
In addition, the Prime Minister flagged 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.
Modi said investments in infrastructure are key to economic growth and job creation. “Every rupee invested in infrastructure generates new employment opportunities. These projects will provide new jobs to thousands of young people in Kerala,” he said, adding that the initiatives would support the state’s tourism sector, farmers and local industries while improving connectivity.
