Mangaluru : Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundations for as many as eight projects worth Rs 3,800 crores at the Gold Finch City Grounds at Bangrakulur on September 2, Friday. He also symbolically launched the distribution of Kisan Credit Cards to the beneficiaries.

The Prime Minister is reviewing the 3-D models of the projects undertaken by the NMPA before inaugurating them officially. A massive crowd has gathered at the Goldfinch city grounds to witness PM Modi’s event.

He was accompanied by Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, former chief minister BS Yediyurappa, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal among others.

BJP leaders accorded a welcome to PM Modi with a garland made of Mangaluru Mallige (Jasmine flowers) and presented the idol of Lord Parashurama.

In a symbolic gesture of extension of the Kisan Credit Card to fishermen, PM Modi handed over a Kisan Credit Card to a representative of the fishermen community. He also handed over the allotment letter of deep sea fishing boats under the Matsya Sampada scheme.

Speaking on the tremendous scope of tourism in the coastal city and Western ghats, PM Modi said that in recent times cruise tourism has become popular among people. NMPT has contributed to this sector too by welcoming foreign and domestic tourists thus providing job opportunities to many in the region.

At a press of a button, PM Modi inaugurated or laid foundations for a slew of projects undertaken by NMPA. These include the project worth over Rs 280 crore for mechanization of Berth No. 14 for handling containers and other cargo undertaken by the NMPA, laying the foundation stone of five projects worth around Rs 1,000 crore undertaken by the port.

Narendra Modi also inaugurated two projects undertaken by Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) — BS VI Upgradation Project and Sea Water Desalination Plant — worth Rs 1,830 crore and Rs 680 crore, respectively.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Friday at the Mangaluru Airport. Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot were among those who received the Prime Minister in the coastal city.

The PM proceeded to New Mangaluru Port Authority (NMPA) premises at Panambur by a chopper.

PM to add new strength for development of coastal area; CM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will add a big strength to the development of coastal belt, said Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

Talking to reporters at Mangaluru Airport here on Friday, he said the PM was visiting the Coastal Karnataka after many days and has sanctioned many projects while coming here. He will dedicate to the nation projects worth Rs 3800 crore and lay foundation for the new schemes which will help in the development of this region. These schemes are aimed at increasing economic activities, strengthening ports, improving business and creating employment. Modi has sanctioned 100 deep sea fishing boats under Pradhan Mantri Masthya Sampada scheme. Besides, he has extended Kisan Credit Card scheme to the fishermen. Many projects sanctioned by the State government for this region will also be launched today, he added.