Delhi, 2 May (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Kerala and Andhra Pradesh today on May 2nd. He will arrive in Kerala around 10:30 AM to dedicate the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport to the nation. This seaport, valued at Rs 8,900 crore, is the country’s first dedicated container transshipment port, reflecting the advancements in India’s maritime sector aimed at achieving a vision of Viksit Bharat. The strategic significance of Vizhinjam Port is paramount as it contributes to India’s global trade standing, enhances logistics efficiency, and reduces dependency on foreign ports. Its deep natural draft of nearly 20 meters and proximity to key sea trade routes bolster India’s position in maritime trade.
Later, at approximately 3:30 PM, the Prime Minister will travel to Andhra Pradesh to lay the foundation stone for and inaugurate multiple development projects totaling over Rs 58,000 crore in Amaravati. Consistent with his goal of developing world-class infrastructure, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate seven National Highway projects, which include widening various sections, as well as constructing road overbridges and subways. These projects aim to improve road safety, create employment opportunities, and provide seamless connectivity to significant religious and tourist destinations like Tirupati and Udayagiri Fort.
Additionally, the Prime Minister will dedicate railway projects designed to enhance connectivity and capacity, including the doubling of rail lines between Bugganapalle Cement Nagar and Panyam stations, improving links between Rayalaseema and Amaravati, and establishing a third rail line connecting New West Block Hut Cabin and Vijayawada stations.
The Prime Minister will inaugurate several significant infrastructure projects, including the foundation stone for six National Highway projects and one Railway project. These initiatives aim to widen various sections of national highways and construct an elevated corridor, half clover leaf, and road-over-bridge, all intended to enhance connectivity, facilitate inter-state travel, alleviate congestion, and boost logistics efficiency. Notably, the construction of a Rail over Rail system between Guntakal West and Mallappa Gate stations will help bypass freight trains and ease congestion at Guntakal Junction.
The Prime Minister will lay the foundation for various infrastructure endeavors, such as the Legislative Assembly, High Court, Secretariat, and housing units for over 5,200 families, amounting to over ₹11,240 crore. This effort will also comprise trunk infrastructure and flood mitigation projects featuring a sophisticated 320 km transport network with underground utilities and advanced flood management systems, valued at over ₹17,400 crore. The Land Pooling Scheme projects will cover 1,281 km of roads in Amaravati, integrating central medians, cycle tracks, and utilities, costing approximately ₹20,400 crore.
Moreover, a Missile Test Range will be established at Nagayalanka, Andhra Pradesh, with an investment of around ₹1,460 crore, comprising a launch center and advanced technical facilities to bolster India’s defense capabilities. Lastly, the foundation stone for the PM Ekta Mall at Madhurawada in Visakhapatnam will be laid, aimed at fostering national integration and supporting initiatives such as Make in India and One District One Product, while generating jobs and empowering rural artisans.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
