Blue Economy; topmost agenda for India’s development

The Prime Minister inaugurated various projects on his visit to Kerala, focusing on development of India’s Blue economy.

India is currently working on its topmost importance to develop its blue economy, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently while inaugurating several projects in Kochi. He said, “Our vision and work in this sector include improving infrastructure on current ports, more ports, offshore energy, sustainable coastal development and coastal connectivity.” PM Modi further said, “The Propylene Derivatives Petrochemical complex of Kochi Refinery will help strengthen our journey towards being Atmanirbhar,” adding that a wide range of industries would gain employment opportunities with the help of the project.

PM Modi remarked that the spiritual, market, historical and other such places are widely known and it not only a transit point for tourist to go to other parts of Kerala. “The central government is undertaking several efforts to improve tourism here. The inauguration of Sagarika – the International Cruise Terminal in Kochi – is an example of this,” he added. Sagarika Cruise Terminal will cater to over 1 lakh cruise guest and will bring both comfort and convenience for tourists, he said.

th from 65^th in the World Tourism Index. He also commented that local tourism has facilitated added livelihood to people in the local tourism industry and also connects our youth and culture stronger. “I urge our young start-up friends to think about innovative tourism-related products,” he said.

“VIGYAN Sagar is the new knowledge campus of the Cochin Shipyard. Through this, we are expanding our human resource development capital. This campus is a reflection of the importance of skill development. It would particularly help those wanting to study marine engineering. In the times to come, I see a prime place for this sector. Youngsters who have knowledge in this domain will have several opportunities,” he mentioned.

He asserted that the definition and scope of infrastructure have changed today and is beyond development works good roads and connectivity between a few urban centres. “We are looking at the quantity and top-quality infrastructure for coming generations,” he stated. He also mentioned that ₹110 lakh crores are being invested through the national infrastructure pipeline, he said that a special focus is being given to coastal areas, the Northeast and mountain areas and that today India is embarking on an ambitious programme of broadband connectivity to every village. He pointed that this year’s budget includes significant resource and schemes that will be beneficial for Kerala. “This includes the next phase of Kochi metro. This metro network has come successfully and has set a good example of progressive work practices and professionalism,” he added.

Prime Minister on his tour to Kerala inaugurated the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP) of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL); Ro-Ro Vessels at Willingdon Islands, Cochin; International Cruise Terminal “Sagarika” at Cochin Port; Marine Engineering Training Institute, Vigyan Sagar, Cochin Shipyard Limited and laid the foundation stone of Reconstruction of South Coal Berth at Cochin Port.