Ernakulam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth around ₹10,800 crore in Ernakulam in Kerala.

Among the key initiatives, the prime minister dedicated the electrification of the Shoranur–Nilambur Road railway line to the nation, which is expected to enable faster and more efficient train operations by eliminating the need for locomotive changes at Shoranur.

He also flagged off a new train service between Palakkad in Kerala and Pollachi in Tamil Nadu, improving rail connectivity between the two states and benefiting commuters, pilgrims, traders and tourists.

The prime minister also laid the foundation stone for a polypropylene unit at the Kochi refinery of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited with an investment of more than ₹5,500 crore. The facility will have a production capacity of 400 kilo tonnes per annum and is expected to boost domestic polymer manufacturing and reduce import dependence.

In the road infrastructure sector, Modi inaugurated the six-laning of the Thalappady–Chengala section of National Highway 66 built at a cost of over ₹2,650 crore. The project is part of the Mumbai–Kanyakumari Economic Corridor and is expected to enhance connectivity between districts such as Kasaragod and Kannur as well as nearby regions including Mangaluru.

He also inaugurated the six-laning of the Kozhikode Bypass from Vengalam to Ramanattukara, constructed at a cost of around ₹2,140 crore. The upgrade is expected to significantly reduce congestion and cut travel time along the stretch from over an hour to about 15–20 minutes.

The prime minister also inaugurated 23 rural roads built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, which aim to improve connectivity in rural and remote areas and enhance access to markets, healthcare and education.

In the rail sector, Modi inaugurated three redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme — Shoranur Junction railway station, Kuttippuram railway station and Changanassery railway station — featuring improved passenger amenities and modernised infrastructure.

Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for a 50 MW floating solar power project at West Kallada in Kollam district, aimed at supporting India’s clean energy goals and promoting sustainable power generation.

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The visit comes ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, where the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance is expected to challenge the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist).