PM Modi inaugurates and launches development projects in Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid foundation stones, and flagged off several Thiruvananthapuram development projects in Kerala on Thursday, stating that the Union Government had given fresh momentum to the state’s growth.
While addressing a public meeting, Modi said the Centre had strengthened rail connectivity in Kerala. At the same time, he noted that new initiatives would help turn Thiruvananthapuram into a major startup hub.
From Kerala, the Prime Minister also launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card. According to him, the scheme would support street vendors, hawkers and footpath workers across the country.
Emphasising urban growth, Modi said cities played a key role in building a developed India. Over the past 11 years, he added, the Union Government had invested heavily in urban infrastructure.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, he said, over 4 crore houses had been provided nationwide. In Kerala alone, nearly 1.25 lakh urban poor families received permanent homes.
Rail and welfare schemes drive Thiruvananthapuram development projects
Turning to welfare measures, Modi said the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana helped poor families reduce electricity costs. Similarly, he said Ayushman Bharat provided free treatment worth ₹5 lakh to eligible citizens.
In addition, Modi said the Matru Vandana Yojana strengthened health security for women. He also noted that tax exemption on income up to ₹12 lakh benefited middle-class families in Kerala.
Referring to financial inclusion, the Prime Minister said banking access had expanded for poor families and marginalised communities. As a result, he added, the Union Government now supported loans by acting as guarantor.
On urban livelihoods, Modi said street vendors now received institutional credit through PM SVANidhi. Notably, he said SVANidhi Credit Cards had been issued to over 10,000 beneficiaries in Kerala, including more than 600 in Thiruvananthapuram.
Meanwhile, Modi flagged off three Amrit Bharat Express trains and a passenger train between Thrissur and Guruvayur. He said these services would boost tourism and regional travel.
Alongside transport projects, Modi inaugurated the CSIR Innovation Hub and launched a Radio Surgery Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. According to him, these initiatives would strengthen science, innovation and healthcare in Kerala.
Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Ministers and other dignitaries attended the event. In conclusion, Modi said a developed Kerala was vital to achieving a developed India.
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.
https://t.co/bDRG9hDPhQ— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2026
