PM Modi highlights Kerala’s potential in floating solar power sector to enhance clean energy and infrastructure development

With its water bodies, Kerala has immense potential to tap into the floating solar power sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said.

Inaugurating a host of projects in Kerala on Wednesday, Mr. Modi said the country needed more green and clean energy to meet its infrastructure development needs.

“India has become one of the top countries in the world in terms of solar power. Kerala shall also progress further in solar power generation. The 50-MW floating solar project for which the foundation stone was laid at West Kallada on Wednesday was a step towards this direction,” he said.

The polypropylene unit at Kochi Refinery, for which the foundation stone was laid, will produce around 400,000 tons of polypropylene annually. The plant will support many industries, including packaging, textiles, automobile, and medical devices through the polypropylene production, he said.

The Union Budget for the year has set apart record funds for infrastructure. Kerala has also benefited greatly from the infrastructure investment. The railway stations at Shoranur Junction, Kuttipuram, and Changanassery have been modernised. Electrification of a large section of the Shoranur–Nilambur railway line has also been completed. The Palakkad–Pollachi train service also commenced, providing further convenience to the people of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu, he said.

Mr. Modi said the six-lane road will improve connectivity to the Azheekkal port. The six-lane Kozhikode bypass will reduce traffic congestion and significantly save travel time. All these projects will benefit Kerala’s farmers and boost tourism and other industries. These projects will provide new employment opportunities for thousands of young people in Kerala besides playing a vital role in fulfilling the commitment for “a developed Keralam”, he said.

Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Union Ministers Suresh Gopi and George Kurien, Hibi Eden, MP and BJP State president Rajeev Chandrashekhar were among those present.