KOCHI:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched various projects of Kochi Metro and the railway's worth Rs 4,500 crores in Kerala.

The projects include the opening of numerous initiatives that will greatly enhance connectivity in the state and also the laying of their respective foundation stones.  The Kochi Metro's first phase was extended, and the second phase of its foundation was officially set by the prime minister.

The Indian Railways thereafter began five distinct projects.

"The ease of living and conducting business will both be accelerated by these improvements. Kerala will now start implementing the country's development plan for the next 25 years. The Unified Metropolitan Authority, which oversees Kochi's buses, water metro, and metro, would have many connectivity models, resulting in quicker travel times, less pollution, and reduced traffic congestion "said Modi.

the PM noted that as part of these improvements, steps will be taken to transform three railway stations in Kerala, ie, two in Kochi and one in Kollam, to include amenities similar to those found in airports.

The six-lane NH 66, which is the state's lifeline, is one of the several infrastructure projects in Kerala in which the Centre has already committed Rs 1 lakh crore, he added, noting that connectivity will increase tourism and trade in the region.

In the evening Modi arrived in Kochi, he addressed a meeting of his BJP supporters before going to the Kalady village, close to the airport, to visit Sri Adi Shankara Janma Bhoomi Kshetram, the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya.  He participated in the meeting of the core committee of the top state-level BJP leaders after the opening of the rail infrastructure projects.

He will commission the largest warship ever built in India, the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, for the Indian Navy on Friday.

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