Centre undertaking many efforts to improve tourism-related infrastructure in Kerala: PM Narendra Modi

PM Modi said that the works being inaugurated today cover a wide range of sectors and will energise the growth trajectory of India. He stated that the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP), inaugurated today, will help strengthen India's journey towards being Aatmanirbhar as it will save foreign exchange.

Kochi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (February 14, 2021) visited Kerala and said that the Centre is undertaking many efforts to improve tourism-related infrastructure in the southern state.

PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various projects in Kochi and said, "The inauguration of Sagarika, the International Cruise Terminal in Kochi is one example of this. Sagarika Cruise Terminal brings both comfort and convenience for tourists. It will cater to over a lakh cruise guests."

The govt of India is undertaking many efforts to improve tourism-related infrastructure in Kochi. The inauguration of Sagarika - the International Cruise terminal in Kochi - is an example.

Sagarika Cruise Terminal brings both comfort & convenience for tourists.

- PM Modi pic.twitter.com/jYxctQcAZd — BJP (@BJP4India) February 14, 2021

The Prime Minister started his speech by greeting 'Namaskaram  Kochi, Namaskaram Kerala' and expressed that the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' is wonderful as always. 

"Being among you all makes me very happy. Today we have gathered here to celebrate development. Development of Kerala and India. The works being inaugurated today cover a wide range of sectors. They will energise the growth trajectory of India," said PM Modi.

He asserted that Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP), inaugurated today, will help strengthen India's journey towards being Aatmanirbhar as it will save foreign exchange. 

Today, we dedicate to the nation the Propylene Derivatives Petrochemical complex of the Kochi refinery. This project will help strengthen our journey towards becoming Aatmanirbhar.

- PM @narendramodi #NamaskaramModi pic.twitter.com/Trz5EArKd1 — BJP (@BJP4India) February 14, 2021

"Kochi is a city of trade and commerce. The people of this city understand that time is of the essence. They also appreciate the importance of proper connectivity. That is why the dedication of Ro-Ro Vessels to the nation is special," said PM Narendra Modi. 

He further informed that a distance of almost thirty kilometres on road becomes three point five kilometres through waterways. 

"This means convenience up, commerce up, capacity building up, congestion down, pollution down and transport costs down," said PM Modi.

The Prime Minister also outlined India's plan for the development of the Blue Economy and said, "Our vision and work in this sector include: more ports, improving infrastructure in current ports, ff-shore energy, sustainable coastal development and Coastal connectivity." 

He said that the work is underway to make India a hub for sea-food exports.

My speech at a programme in Kochi, Kerala. https://t.co/6uPmgDtThd — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2021

Prime Minister Modi stated that Budget 2021 has devoted significant resources and schemes that will benefit Kerala. 

"This includes the next phase of the Kochi Metro," he said.

Referring to India's spirited response to the COVID-19 outbreak, PM Modi recounted the Government's effort to help Indian diaspora especially in the Gulf. 

He said that India is proud of its diaspora in the Gulf and also thanked various Gulf nations for their sensitive approach to the government of India's effort to get released several Indians who were in prisons there. 

"Gulf kingdoms responded to my personal appeals and took special care of our community. They are giving priority to the return of Indians to the region. We have set up air bubbles to facilitate that process. Indians working in the Gulf should know that the full support of my Government is there to ensure their welfare," PM Modi said.

India is proud of its diaspora in the gulf. It has been an honour for me to be able to spend time with them.

Over 50 lakh Indians came back home under the Vande Bharat Mission during the pandemic and several of them were from Kerala.

- PM @narendramodi #NamaskaramModi pic.twitter.com/ienaYVE5IR — BJP (@BJP4India) February 14, 2021