New Projects Launched in Kerala

In News

Recently, the Prime Minister of India has launched five projects in Kochi, Kerala.

About the Projects

• Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project
  • It is being commissioned at an investment of around Rs. 6,000 crore and is part of the expansion of the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited’s (BPCL) refinery.
  • The capacity of the refinery has been raised to 15.5 million tonnes a year.
  • The facility will produce acrylates, acrylic acid, and oxo alcohol.
  • It will help the country save between Rs. 3,700 crore and Rs. 4,000 crore annually in foreign exchange.
• Ro-Ro Vessels
  • These will be operated between Bolgatty and Willingdon Islands.
  • Ro-Ro is an acronym for Roll-on/roll-off and is used to carry wheeled cargo and can be of both military and civilian types.
  • There are various types of ro-ro vessels, such as ferries, cruise ferries, cargo ships, and barges.
  • Advantages
    • Tourism Booster: These are extremely popular with holidaymakers and private car owners and have significantly contributed to the growth of tourism.
    • Time-Saver: The vessel service would reduce the road distance spanning about 30 km to a mere 3.5 km when channelled through the city’s waterways.
• Sagarika International Cruise Terminal
  • It will increase the port’s capacity to handle more cruise ship passengers.
  • It is a fully dedicated terminal, which will provide all statutory clearances, including Customs and Immigration, for cruise passengers.
  • Other amenities included walk-in-berthing, assured quality bunkers and freshwater services.
  • The backwater tourism in Alappuzha and spice destinations in Idukki are also close enough to draw major tourist operations.
• Reconstruction of South Coal Berth (SCB) in Cochin Port
  • SCB was commissioned in the year 1953 and was used for handling liquid ammonia of Fertilizer and Chemicals Travancore (FACT) Limited (a Government of India undertaking).
  • It was damaged due to ageing and corrosion and after checking the place, it was recommended to get it reconstructed. The reconstructed SCB will facilitate the handling of chemicals.
• Vigyan Sagar, Marine Engineering Training Institute
  • It is the only maritime training institute in India functioning within a Shipyard having extended training facilities for trainees on various vessels under construction or repair.
  • It is set to develop human resources in the field of marine engineering and is a reflection of the importance of skill development.
    • This would be most helpful for those wanting to study marine engineering.
• Other Related Steps in the State
  • Vande Bharat Programme
    • Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, around 50 lakh Indians were brought back to the country and a large number of them were Keralites.
  • Phase-II of Kochi Metro Rail Project
    • The centre has earmarked funds in the annual budget for several development projects for Kerala including the second phase of the Kochi metro rail project.

Significance

• These projects would energise the growth projection of the country and go a long way in creating the Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• The PM urged people to travel locally and explore places and suggested start-ups to consider developing projects for the tourism sector, which would lead to the development of the people and also boost Made in India.
• Besides generating additional revenue for the people, tourism also connects youth to the culture of the country.
• The State government of Kerala has always shown willingness to cooperate with the Centre for improvement of industry, tourism and infrastructure facilities. It highlights better Centre-State relations as a good example of federalism.
• The projects give the highest importance to develop the country’s blue economy, sustainable coastal development and improved coastal connectivity.

Source: TH