"Expanding petroleum sector essential for self-reliant India": PM Modi in Kerala
Ernakulum, March 11
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called the expansion of the petroleum sector essential for making a self-reliant India.
PM Modi today inaugurated and laid the foundation of multiple developmental projects worth around Rs 10,800 crore, including the Polypropylene Unit at the Kochi Refinery of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). The investment in this project is worth over Rs 5,500 crore.
Addressing the gathering in Ernakulum, PM Modi said, "Expanding the petroleum sector is very essential for making India self-reliant and for Make in India. Today, the same goal is behind the polypropylene unit at Kochi Refinery. Every year, it will produce around four lakh tons of polypropylene."
Noting that India is making swift progress in the artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor sectors, he called for the use of more green and clean energy.
He said, "In the coming times, this plant will support numerous factories such as packaging, textile, automobile, medical devices, and more. India is rapidly becoming a major hub for manufacturing. The country is also making swift progress in the AI and semiconductor sectors. Such endeavours require a lot of energy. Therefore, there is a growing need for more and more green and clean energy."
As the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of the 50 MW Floating Solar Project at West Kallada, Kollam district, he added, "India has already become one of the top countries in the world in terms of solar power. In the field of solar power, India has become one of the top countries in the world. Our effort is that Keralam should also move ahead in solar power. With this objective, the foundation stone has been laid for a 50 MW floating solar project at West Kallada."
Earlier today, among the Rs 10,800 crore worth projects, PM Modi also dedicated to the nation the Shoranur-Nilambur Road Railway Line Electrification Project. The electrification of this important rail section will enable faster, more efficient and sustainable train operations by eliminating the need for locomotive changes at Shoranur.
The Prime Minister flagged off a new train service between Palakkad and Pollachi, strengthening rail connectivity between Keralam and Tamil Nadu. The service will benefit daily commuters, pilgrims, traders and tourists travelling between the two states.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While investment is welcome, I hope the environmental impact in Kerala is carefully managed. We cannot sacrifice our beautiful backwaters and greenery for industry. The floating solar project is a positive note.
Atmanirbhar Bharat needs such massive projects. 4 lakh tons of polypropylene will boost so many downstream industries - packaging, textiles, medical. This is real economic development, not just talk.
The rail electrification and new train service are the real game-changers for common people. Faster, cleaner travel between Kerala and Tamil Nadu will help the local economy so much. Well done!
I appreciate the balanced vision - expanding petroleum for self-reliance while pushing for green energy. India needs to walk on both legs. The 50 MW solar project in Kollam is a step in the right direction.
As someone who follows global energy trends, this is a smart move. Polypropylene is in high demand worldwide. If India can become a manufacturing hub for products using it, that's a huge economic opportunity.
Hope the benefits reach local communities and small businesses. Sometimes these big projects only help corporates. Also, will the jobs go to Keralites or will workers be brought from outside? That
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