State govt's adamant stand only hurdle blocking AIIMS: Gopi
Kochi: Union minister of state for tourism and petroleum
Suresh Gopi
said that the only reason for the delay in declaring AIIMS for Kerala is the state govt's insistence on a single proposed site.
Addressing a news conference held as part of the first anniversary celebrations of the third NDA govt on Tuesday, Gopi said that the AIIMS project would be a reality soon in Kerala, and he promised that the foundation stone will be laid for the project before his term as MP ends.
"The Union govt has requested three location options. I don't understand the state's rigidity on proposing only a single location. But I assure you, the foundation stone will be laid at a suitable site before my term as MP ends," Gopi said.
While responding to a question over the safety concern regarding ship accidents off the Kerala coast, he expressed concern over the accidents involving two cargo ships within a short span of days, calling it a matter that warrants serious attention. "If the state govt seeks assistance, the Centre is ready to intervene. For now, the Centre is keeping a close watch on all developments related to these accidents," he said.
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'Coastal rail link still viable'
On transport infrastructure in the state, Gopi reiterated the feasibility of a coastal rail corridor connecting Edappally and Tirur. "When I proposed extending the Kochi Metro to Thrissur, many mocked the idea. Now, the line is reaching Angamaly. Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is the most suitable urban transit solution for the state. A coastal rail link connecting Edappally, Kodungallur, Chavakkad, and Tirur is still viable," he said.
On the semi-high-speed rail project proposed by Metro Man E Sreedharan, Gopi said the railway ministry is still examining the proposal, although no final decision has been made.
The minister emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India is progressing towards the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. "The Modi govt pulled over 25cr people out of poverty. The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana ensured food security for more than 81cr people. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, over 40 lakh houses were built for the underprivileged, and more than 10.33cr women received free LPG connections through the Ujjwala Yojana," he added.
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