Thiruvananthapuram/New Delhi: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered the Centre's support to various developmental projects in the State. This was disclosed by Vijayan at a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday. "The meeting with Prime Minister Modi was cordial. He offered support to all the developmental projects in the State," Vijayan told mediapersons.
This was the first meeting between Modi and Vijayan after the latter took over as the chief minister for a second term in June this year.
Vijayan said Modi inquired about the possibility of promoting water transportation in the State. "He expressed interest in the inland waterways projects undertaken by the State," he said.
Vijayan said Modi showed interest in the semi high-speed railway line - Silverline - that connects Kasaragod and Thiruvananthapuram.
'PM hails health sector'
Vijayan said Modi lauded Kerala’s achievements in the health sector.
Vijayan apparently briefed the PM about the reasons for the low fatality rate in the State due to COVID-19. "I have informed him that improved testing and quarantine facilities helped Kerala maintain a low fatality rate," he said.
On the vaccine front, Vijayan requested Modi to allot 60 lakh doses in July. "We need at least 25 lakh doses to administer the second shot. So far 44% of those above 18 years have received their first jabs," Vijayan said.
Vijayan said Modi's response to the state's demand for an All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) was encouraging.
Airport issues
Vijayan urged Modi to include Kannur International Airport under the ASEAN Open Sky Agreement and add more foreign flights from the three-year-old airport. "I have also requested permission for land acquisition for Kozhikode airport to enable operations of big flights," he said.
The CM said he reiterated the need for setting up an airport at Sabarimala.
CM meets Housing and Urban Affairs Minister
Later, Vijayan met Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
He sought permission to launch the second phase of the Kochi Metro from Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium to the InfoPark at Kakkanad. The 11.2km-phase will have 11 stations. The state government has set aside Rs. 263 crores for the purpose.
The minister was apprised of the proposals for the Light-Metro projects in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, said Vijayan.
The CM said the Centre had suggested minor changes in the Light-Metro project in Thiruvananthapuram and has promised to approve it soon. "The minister has requested time to study the light-metro project in Kozhikode," Vijayan said.
