Kochi, January 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated an integrated Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) refinery expansion complex in Kochi. The total project will cost Rs Rs 16,504 crore. The project is part of ‘Make in India’ campaign aiming to reduce dependence on imports. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor P. Sathasivam, and other leaders were also present at the event. PM Modi Flays Communists at Kollam Rally, Says 'Kerala Govt's Conduct on Sabarimala Issue Shameful'.

Speaking at the event PM Modi highlighted the importance of the refinery to reduce imports. He said, "To cut down on the import of crude oil, the government has taken decisive steps towards reducing imports by 10% and saving the precious foreign exchange."

The Prime Minister is also scheduled to dedicate the Mounded Storage Vessel of the Indian Oil Corporation Limited and will then move on to Ettumannor in Kottayam district to lay the foundation stone of a Skill Development Institute, promoted by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Later in the evening, Modi will address a state meeting of the Yuva Morcha in Thrissur after which he will return to Delhi. This will be Modi's second visit to Kerala this month.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, PM Modi laid the foundation of new Rs 1,264 crore All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Madurai in Tamil Nadu. On this occasion, PM Modi boasted the Union government’s schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Mission Indradhanush being implemented in the state. He also applauded the State government’s efforts to eradicate TB.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 27, 2019 03:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).