PM Modi to Launch ₹16,450 Crore Infrastructure Projects in Kerala and Tamil Nadu

Major Highway, Energy and Railway Projects Announced During PM Modi’s Southern Visit

Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Kerala and Tamil Nadu on March 11, 2026 , where he will inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stones for development projects valued at more than ₹16,450 crore . These initiatives span sectors such as petroleum and natural gas infrastructure, highways, rail connectivity, rural roads and energy projects . The Prime Minister will first attend programmes in Ernakulam, Kerala , followed by a visit to Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu .

Key Projects in Ernakulam

In Ernakulam, projects worth approximately ₹10,800 crore will be launched. A major initiative is the foundation stone for a Polypropylene Unit at the Kochi Refinery operated by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited. The facility, built at a cost exceeding ₹5,500 crore , will have a production capacity of 400 kilo tonnes per annum .

Polypropylene is an important industrial polymer used in packaging materials, textiles, automotive components, medical devices and household products , and the new unit is expected to strengthen India’s domestic manufacturing capacity.

Highway and Railway Connectivity

Two major highway upgrades will also be inaugurated. The six-laning of the Thalapady–Chengala stretch of NH-66 , developed at a cost of about ₹2,650 crore , forms part of the Mumbai–Kanyakumari Economic Corridor and aims to improve connectivity across northern Kerala and neighbouring Karnataka.

Another project is the six-laning of the Kozhikode Bypass from Vengalam to Ramanattukara , built at a cost of roughly ₹2,140 crore , which will help reduce congestion and shorten travel time in the region.

In the railway sector, three redeveloped stations— Shoranur Junction, Kuttippuram and Changanassery —will be inaugurated under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The Shoranur–Nilambur railway line electrification project will also be dedicated to the nation, along with the launch of a new train service between Palakkad and Pollachi .

Development Initiatives in Tiruchirappalli

Later, in Tiruchirappalli, projects worth around ₹5,650 crore will be initiated. One of the major initiatives is the foundation stone for a City Gas Distribution network by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited in The Nilgiris and Erode districts , with an investment exceeding ₹3,680 crore . The project is expected to provide piped natural gas connections to more than 8.8 lakh households and establish over 200 CNG stations .

Energy and Rural Connectivity Projects

The Prime Minister will also dedicate the Lube Blending Plant at Manali in Chennai , developed by Indian Oil Corporation Limited at a cost of approximately ₹1,490 crore to strengthen domestic lubricant production.

Additionally, several rural road projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana will be inaugurated in both states to improve access to markets, healthcare and education facilities . Multiple new train services, including Amrit Bharat Express trains , will also be flagged off to enhance regional connectivity.

Exam-Focused Points

• Narendra Modi announced ₹16,450 crore worth of development projects in Kerala and Tamil