Today, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated, flagged off, and laid the foundation stone for several development projects. Speaking to the crowd on the occasion, Shri Modi said that the Union Government’s efforts to promote Kerala have got new impetus today.
He emphasized that efforts have been made to turn Thiruvananthapuram into a significant startup hub and that rail connectivity in Kerala has been further improved.
On Friday, January 23, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened three new Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger train service for Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram. Around 11 a.m., Mr. Modi used a video to introduce the new services at Putharikandam Maidanam in the state capital.
Shortly after the ceremony, the Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express (from Thiruvananthapuram Central station), the Nagercoil-Mangaluru Amrit Bharat Express (from Thiruvananthapuram Central station), the Thiruvananthapuram-Charlappalli Amrit Bharat Express (from Thiruvananthapuram North station), and the Thrissur-Guruvayur Passenger Train (from Thrissur station) left for their destinations.
Shri Modi noted that cities play a critical part in this endeavor and that the Union Government has made significant investments in urban infrastructure over the past 11 years. He also emphasized that the entire country is united today in its efforts to build a developed India.
The PM emphasized that the Union Government has also done a lot of work for urban poor households. He said that more than 4 crore homes, including more than 1 crore permanent homes for urban poor, have been built and given to the nation’s impoverished under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Nearly 1.25 lakh urban poor families have acquired permanent dwellings in Kerala alone, according to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister emphasized that the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has been introduced to lower electricity costs for low-income families.
He said that programs like the Matru Vandana Yojana have been implemented to guarantee the health security of women, while Ayushman Bharat provides free medical care worth ₹5 lakh to impoverished residents.
Shri Modi highlighted that Kerala’s middle class and salaried individuals have also benefited immensely from the Union Government’s exemption of income up to ₹12 lakh from taxes. He emphasized that millions of street sellers nationwide have now obtained bank loans for the first time, providing them with substantial assistance and chances to enhance their standard of living.
The PM added that the PM SVANidhi Scheme has improved the situation of street vendors, who previously found it difficult to borrow even a few hundred rupees at exorbitant interest rates. He emphasized that 10,000 recipients in Kerala and over 600 in Thiruvananthapuram had recently received PM SVANidhi Credit Cards. The Prime Minister pointed out that whereas credit cards were previously solely available to the elite, street vendors now have access to the SVANidhi Credit Card.
The Union Government is investing heavily in healthcare, science and innovation, and connectivity, according to Shri Modi. He cited the opening of a Radio Surgery Center at the Medical College and the CSIR Innovation Hub in Kerala, both of which will contribute to Kerala’s status as a center for innovation, science, and healthcare.
Also Read: Trump Looks at Expanded Iran Options Amid Fatal Nationwide Unrest
said that the launch of Amrit Bharat Express trains has improved Kerala’s rail connectivity, which will improve travel convenience and boost the travel industry. The new passenger train between Guruvayur and Thrissur, he continued, will facilitate pilgrims’ travels.
After emphasizing that all of these initiatives will hasten Kerala’s development, Shri Modi continued by saying that a developed Kerala is crucial to achieving the goal of a developed India, with the Union Government steadfastly supporting the Keralan people. Once more, he wished everyone the best.
