Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a grand roadshow in the port city of Kochi on Wednesday ahead of inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for a series of development projects worth around ₹10,800 crore in Kerala, as the state heads towards assembly elections. 

The lively roadshow began near the entrance of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium and attracted enthusiastic crowds waving BJP flags and chanting slogans, reflecting strong public response ahead of the official ceremonies. Prior to the roadshow, Modi arrived at Cochin International Airport and travelled by helicopter to the naval base before proceeding by road into the heart of Kochi.

The Prime Minister inaugurated and dedicated multiple key infrastructure projects to the nation in Ernakulum, spanning sectors such as petroleum, railways, highways and rural development. Central to these is the foundation stone for a ₹5,500 crore Polypropylene Unit at the Kochi Refinery of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, aimed at boosting domestic polymer production and generating employment opportunities. 

The road transport sector, Modi inaugurated the six‑laning of major National Highway stretches including the Thalapady‑Chengala section of NH‑66 and the Kozhikode bypass from Vengalam to Ramanattukara, projects intended to enhance connectivity and trade flow across Kerala.

Additionally, he dedicated rail infrastructure upgrades including the redevelopment of three railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and flagged off a new train service between Palakkad and Pollachi, designed to improve travel for commuters and tourists. Rural road connectivity was also strengthened with the inauguration of 23 PMGSY roads, aimed at improving access to markets, education and health services in remote areas.

The Kochi visit also serves as the formal launch of the BJP‑led National Democratic Alliance’s election campaign in Kerala, with party leaders and around 50,000 workers expected to attend the convention later at the stadium.

Traffic in Kochi was regulated throughout the day with restrictions and diversions in place to facilitate the Prime Minister’s movements and ensure security for the roadshow and ensuing events.