NE NEWS SERVICE
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JAN 23
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and flagged off a wide array of developmental projects in Thiruvananthapuram, giving a major push to connectivity, urban livelihoods, science and innovation, healthcare, and citizen-centric services in Kerala.
Bringing ease of travel with new Amrit Bharat trains for Kerala.
PM @narendramodi ji flags off 4 trains.🚉 Thiruvananthapuram 🔁 Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express
🚉 Thiruvananthapuram 🔁 Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express
🚉 Nagercoil 🔁 Mangaluru Amrit Bharat Express
🚉 Thrissur… pic.twitter.com/am3wIVxsr3— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) January 23, 2026
- Foundation stones laid, projects inaugurated and trains flagged off to boost connectivity, startups and urban livelihoods
- ‘Kerala’s development has gained new momentum today,’ says Prime Minister as Thiruvananthapuram takes centre stage
- PM SVANidhi Credit Card launched from Kerala to empower street vendors across India
- Urban infrastructure, housing, healthcare and innovation highlighted as pillars of a developed India
- Enhanced rail links, science hubs and citizen-centric services to accelerate Kerala’s growth journey
Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister said the Union Government’s efforts for Kerala’s development have gained new momentum today, with improved rail connectivity and focused initiatives to transform Thiruvananthapuram into a major startup and innovation hub.
The Prime Minister also announced that from Kerala, a major nationwide welfare initiative for the poor has been launched, with the introduction of the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, aimed at empowering street vendors, hawkers and footpath workers across India. He congratulated the people of Kerala and citizens nationwide for these development- and employment-generating initiatives.
Cities at the Core of a Developed India
Emphasising that the entire nation is united in the mission of building a developed India, Shri Modi said cities play a vital role in this journey. He highlighted that over the past 11 years, the Union Government has made significant investments in urban infrastructure, alongside targeted efforts for the welfare of poor families living in cities.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the Prime Minister noted that more than four crore houses have been built across the country, including over one crore permanent houses for the urban poor. In Kerala alone, he said, nearly 1.25 lakh urban poor families have received permanent homes.
Relief for the Poor and Middle Class
Highlighting initiatives to reduce household expenses, Shri Modi said the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has been launched to lower electricity costs for poor families. Under Ayushman Bharat, he said, citizens are receiving free health treatment worth ₹5 lakh, while schemes such as the Matru Vandana Yojana ensure health security for women.
The Prime Minister also pointed out that the Union Government has exempted income up to ₹12 lakh from tax, providing significant relief to the middle class and salaried families, including in Kerala.
Financial Inclusion and Street Vendor Empowerment
Thiruvananthapuram reflects the aspirations of a changing Kerala. The verdict in the recent corporation elections signals a shift in public mood across the state. Speaking at a BJP rally.@BJP4Keralam https://t.co/FtXRTNZYs0
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2026
Reinforcing our commitment to financial inclusion, Mrs. A. R. Chinchu, customer of our Perumpazhuthoor Branch, Thiruvananthapuram Zone, received the PM SVANidhi Credit Card from the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji at the national launch event of PM SVANidhi Credit… pic.twitter.com/OitssywKCI
— Indian Bank (@MyIndianBank) January 23, 2026
Referring to the government’s financial inclusion drive, Shri Modi said that over the past decade, crores of citizens have been connected to the banking system. He noted that the poor, SC, ST, OBC communities, women and fishermen can now access bank loans more easily, with the Union Government acting as guarantor when collateral is unavailable.
Highlighting the transformation in the lives of street vendors, the Prime Minister said those who once struggled to borrow even small amounts at high interest rates are now benefiting from the PM SVANidhi Scheme.
He added that the government has taken the initiative further by introducing PM SVANidhi Credit Cards, which were distributed during the event. These include 10,000 beneficiaries in Kerala and over 600 in Thiruvananthapuram. Shri Modi remarked that while credit cards were once limited to the wealthy, street vendors now also have access to formal credit.
Boost to Connectivity, Science and Healthcare
The Prime Minister underlined the Union Government’s focus on connectivity, science and innovation, and healthcare, noting the inauguration of the CSIR Innovation Hub in Kerala and the launch of a Radiosurgery Centre at the Medical College, which will strengthen Kerala’s position as a hub for science, innovation and advanced healthcare.
Kerala’s rail network also received a significant boost with the flagging off of Amrit Bharat Express trains, enhancing ease of travel and benefiting tourism. The new Guruvayur–Thrissur passenger train, he said, will ease travel for pilgrims.
Concluding his address, Shri Modi said all these projects will accelerate Kerala’s development, stressing that a developed Kerala is essential for achieving a developed India, and assured that the Union Government stands firmly with the people of the state.
Governor of Kerala Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Ministers Shri V. Somanna and Shri George Kurian, Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Shri V. V. Rajesh, and other dignitaries were present at the event.
