Mathrubhumi | Pinarayi-Modi meet focused on development; 2nd phase of Kochi Metro project to get approval soon

Jul 14,2021

The meeting of the Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on Tuesday seems fruitful with the discussions stayed away from politics and focused just on developmental projects and other social issues.

The assurance of immediate approval for the second phase of Kochi Metro project and Thiruvananthapuram Light Metro project is promising for the developmental
dreams of the state. It was also learned that PM assured full cooperation and support for the development of the state.

The Kozhikode Light Metro project was discussed and also reached a consensus of further study before giving final consent to the project.

The projects like silver line, semi high-speed rail, AIIMS, Kochi Petrochemicals, Angamaly-Sabari rail project, Thalassery-Mysore railway line and Sabarimala airport
were also discussed and the PM assured considering them.

The Chief Minister demanded the PM an emergency fund of Rs 4524 cr as GST compensation for the year 2020-21 to overcome the financial crisis caused by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. A total of 60 lakhs vaccines were also requested in July to speed up the vaccination drive in Kerala. The prime minister responded positively to
demands, said Pinarayi Vijayan during a press conference after the meeting.

Being a state having very long coastal zone, the PM urged the CM to take measures to promote the coastal shipping and also underlined the need for centre-state
cooperation in making developmental projects a reality. The prime minister also appreciated the left government for election victory and also for completing GAIL
project on time. He praised the mettle of the health sector in Kerala in curbing various pandemics in the past.

CM’s request for measures to complete the procedures for permitting the landing of large aircraft at Kannur and Kozhikode airports was given much attention by the PM.

The Chief Minister also met Petroleum Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnav and Principal Secretary to PM, PK Mishra in Delhi. The Member of
Parliament, John Brittas and Chief Secretary of state, VP Joy and other officials accompanied the CM.