Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled for a two-day visit to Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, starting Tuesday, where he will inaugurate several development and infrastructure projects worth more than ₹4,000 crore. The key highlights of his visit include the launch of the New Dry Dock and International Ship Repair Facility in Kochi, underscoring the government’s commitment to transforming the ports, shipping, and waterways sector.
On Tuesday, PM Modi will visit the Sri Sathya Sai District in Andhra Pradesh and inaugurate the new campus of the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN). This aligns with the government’s emphasis on enhancing training and infrastructure in institutions related to customs, taxes, and narcotics.
Moving on to Kerala, on January 17, the Prime Minister will inaugurate essential infrastructure projects associated with ports, shipping, and waterways. Prior to this, he will visit the Guruvayur Temple and Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple in the state.
The spotlight of the visit is the inauguration of three major infrastructure projects in Kochi, emphasizing PM Modi’s vision to revamp the ports and shipping sector and enhance its capacity and self-sufficiency.
1. New Dry Dock:
One of the significant projects is the New Dry Dock, constructed at the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) premises in Kochi. This dry dock comes with an estimated cost of about ₹1,800 crore and stands as one of the largest marine infrastructures in the region. The dry dock measures 310 meters in length, with a width of 75/60 meters, a depth of 13 meters, and a draught of up to 9.5 meters. This modern dry dock facility is poised to play a pivotal role in supporting shipbuilding and repair activities, fostering the growth of the maritime industry.
2. International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF):
Complementing the New Dry Dock is the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF), constructed at an approximate cost of ₹970 crore. The ISRF project includes a ship lift system with a capacity of 6000 tons, a transfer system, six workstations, and a berth of around 1,400 meters capable of accommodating seven vessels of 130 meters in length simultaneously. This facility aims to modernize and expand the existing ship repair capabilities of CSL. Additionally, it positions Kochi as a global ship repair hub, boosting the nation’s maritime infrastructure and capabilities.
3. Indian Oil’s LPG Import Terminal:
Another vital project in Kochi is the Indian Oil’s LPG Import Terminal at Puthuvypeen, constructed with an investment of about ₹1,236 crores. This terminal holds a storage capacity of 15400 MT and is designed to ensure a consistent supply of LPG for millions of households and businesses in the region. The terminal’s strategic location contributes to strengthening India’s efforts to provide accessible and affordable energy for all. The project is a crucial component of the nation’s energy infrastructure, facilitating the storage and distribution of LPG.
These projects collectively signify a significant boost to the nation’s shipbuilding and repair capacities, fostering growth in the maritime sector. The inauguration of the New Dry Dock and ISRF aligns with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, promoting self-reliance and reducing dependence on external sources for critical infrastructure. These projects are expected to contribute to EXIM trade, reduce logistics costs, drive economic growth, and create numerous domestic and international business opportunities.
In addition to these projects, PM Modi’s visit to Kerala includes the unveiling of other infrastructure developments related to ports, shipping, and waterways. These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to transforming the sector, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing connectivity through water-based transportation.
The projects inaugurated by PM Modi are poised to bring about a paradigm shift in the maritime and energy infrastructure landscape of the country. They represent a strategic move towards achieving the government’s objectives of fostering economic growth, creating job opportunities, and strengthening India’s position as a key player in the global maritime arena. The Prime Minister’s visit and the inauguration of these projects reflect the government’s proactive approach towards infrastructure development and capacity-building across key sectors.
