After the Union Cabinet approved changing the name of Kerala to ‘Keralaam’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the citizens of Kerala and said that the state has now got its proper name.
Addressing the golden jubilee celebrations of All Kerala Dhivar Sabha in Kerala, Prime Minister Modi praised the fishermen community of the state.
The Prime Minister said, “Today when I stand among you all, there is an atmosphere of joy in the entire state. The long wait of my Malayali brothers and sisters is finally over. You all have been demanding for years to change the name of Kerala to Keralam. Our BJP-led NDA government at the Center has approved this proposal. I can see the happiness on the faces of all of you. This beautiful state has got its proper name as per the Malayali culture.”
On 24 February, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal to change the name of Kerala to Keralam. The Kerala Assembly had passed a resolution for the name change in June 2024.
Lauding the work of All Kerala Dhevar Sabha, Prime Minister Modi said, “Today we are witness to a historic moment. All Kerala Dhevar Sabha is celebrating its 50th anniversary. This organization is working for the rights of the fishermen community. I congratulate all the fishermen of Kerala and the members of All Kerala Dhevar Sabha. It was mentioned that the Prime Minister has come to give blessings, but for me the public is like God and I have come here to receive their blessings.”
He further said, “When I came to Kerala a few days ago, I interacted with the members of the All Kerala Dhevar Sabha. The All Kerala Dhevar Sabha has set an excellent example of the balance between life and employment, and progress and nature. You live the Indian philosophy and thought. The world considers water, rivers and seas as resources, while the Dhevar community considers the oceans as their ‘Amma’ (mother).”
Attacking the LDF and UDF, he alleged that the previous governments had neglected the fishermen community.
He said, “Previous governments neglected the fishermen community for decades. But now the NDA government is making progress and giving them access to unlimited potential. Our government has recognized the potential of the fishermen community and its role in the blue economy. The BJP-NDA government itself has created a separate ministry for fisheries. Many steps have been taken to bring them into the mainstream. A provision of about Rs 1400 crore has been made for Kerala under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.”
During this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several development projects costing about Rs 10,800 crore in Ernakulam, Kerala.
The Prime Minister dedicated the Shoranur-Nilambur Road Railway Line Electrification Project to the nation. Electrification of this critical rail section will eliminate the need to change locomotives at Shoranur, making rail operations faster, more efficient and sustainable. The Prime Minister strengthened rail connectivity between Kerala and Tamil Nadu by flagging off the new train service between Palakkad and Pollachi. This service will benefit daily commuters, pilgrims, traders and tourists traveling between the two states.
Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone of Polypropylene Unit at Kochi Refinery of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). More than Rs 5,500 crore has been invested in this project.
According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, this polypropylene unit has a capacity of 400 kilo tonnes per annum. Polypropylene is an essential material used in packaging, automotive components, medical devices, textiles, and household products. This facility will strengthen India’s domestic polymer production capacity, reduce import dependence, promote industrial growth and create employment opportunities in the sector.
In the road infrastructure sector, the Prime Minister inaugurated two major highway projects. The first project is the six-laning of Thalapady-Chengla section of NH-66, which is expected to cost over Rs 2,650 crore. This section is part of the Mumbai-Kanyakumari Economic Corridor and will strengthen connectivity between Kasaragod and Kannur districts and neighboring areas including Mangalore and Muzhappilangad. The project will improve connectivity with major cities like Kasargod, Bekal, Payyanur and Kannur, enhance connectivity with Azhikkal port and boost tourism and trade.
The second project is the construction of six-lane Kozhikode bypass from Vengalam to Ramanattukara, which is expected to cost around Rs 2,140 crore. Under this project, the existing two-lane road will be converted into a six-lane highway with service roads on both sides. This will significantly reduce traffic, improve capacity and increase road safety. Travel time on this route is expected to reduce from one hour to about 15-20 minutes. The project will provide better connectivity to important destinations like Kozhikode Beach, Beypore Port and Kappad Beach, thereby boosting tourism and trade in the area.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated 23 rural roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Kerala. These roads will improve connectivity in rural and remote areas and ensure better access to markets, education, healthcare and employment opportunities, thereby strengthening rural livelihoods.
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated three renovated railway stations – Shoranur Junction, Kuttippuram and Changanassery – under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. These stations have been modernized and have been provided with better facilities and easier transportation for passengers. The reconstruction has incorporated elements of local architecture to create modern, safe and convenient travel destinations for passengers.
He also laid the foundation stone of 50 MW floating solar project at West Kallada in Kollam district of Kerala. The project will contribute to India’s clean energy goals and strengthen the country’s commitment to a sustainable and low-carbon energy future.
The visit comes ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections in 2026, where the BJP-led NDA will try to challenge the ruling CPI(M).