Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and flagged off a series of major development projects in Thiruvananthapuram, giving a fresh push to Kerala’s infrastructure, connectivity and urban livelihoods.
The initiatives span rail services, urban welfare, science and healthcare, and are aimed at transforming Thiruvananthapuram into a major startup and innovation hub while strengthening links across the state and beyond, according to an official release.
Highlighting the broader impact of the projects, Modi said in a post on X, “The development works being launched today will strengthen Kerala’s infrastructure, improve connectivity and create new opportunities for the people. Addressing a programme in Thiruvananthapuram.”
At the event, the Prime Minister said the Union government’s efforts for Kerala had gained new momentum, pointing to enhanced rail connectivity and the launch of the PM SVANidhi Credit Card from the state. He described the scheme as a nationwide step for the welfare of street vendors, hawkers and footpath workers.
Modi underlined that cities play a crucial role in building a developed India and said the Centre had made significant investments in urban infrastructure over the past 11 years. He noted that more than four crore houses have been built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, including over one crore for the urban poor, with nearly 1.25 lakh families in Kerala benefiting.
Earlier in the day, Modi flagged off three new Amrit Bharat trains, Nagercoil-Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram, Thiruvananthapuram-Charlapalli, and a new passenger train between Thrissur and Guruvayur.
“Today, Kerala’s rail connectivity with other parts of the country has been strengthened. The Amrit Bharat Express trains, flagged off a short while ago, will bolster the ease of travel in Kerala and greatly benefit the tourism sector,” he said, adding that the new passenger train between Guruvayur and Thrissur will make travel easier for pilgrims. “All these projects will also accelerate Kerala’s development.”
The Prime Minister said a developed Kerala is essential for a developed India, assuring the state of continued support from the Centre.
