Forget wrong notions about Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan tells diaspora

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged Keralites in the US to forget all wrong notions about the state regarding investment. "The state has changed a lot. Development projects, once considered impossible, are progressing easily," he said at the valedictory function at Fokana convention in Philadelphia. He sought their support to promote Kerala as an ideal investment destination.


Vijayan also listed out major infrastructure projects that would be given priority. "Kerala is now witnessing an unpredictable change. The only aim of the government is to have a rapid development in diverse sectors. Several of the projects that were mooted earlier and deemed non-executable have now become a reality," Vijayan said.

The chief minister pointed out that Keralites have started cooperating with the land acquisition process to develop national highways. The NH widening works are progressing at a rapid pace. The government has assured a decent pay package for those who surrender their land. People have realized that roads are route to development, he added.

The government has already started preliminary works for the hill and coastal highways projects for which the total outlay is Rs 10,000 crore. With the commissioning of GAIL pipeline in a few months, several industrial projects will get benefits, he said.

Vijayan made it clear that the government is committed to improve facilities for those who are travelling from the US to Kerala. The fourth international airport will become operational in Kannur in September. The government is already considering a proposal to set up an airport near Sabarimala, he said.

The chief minister said Loka Kerala Sabha was organized to share the experience and expertise of Malayali industrialists settled abroad for betterment of the state.