Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid foundation stones for, and flagged off a series of development projects in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, aimed at strengthening rail connectivity, urban livelihoods, scientific innovation, digital public services, and advanced healthcare infrastructure. The initiatives underscore the Centre’s emphasis on inclusive growth, modern infrastructure, and improved quality of life.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the projects would enhance Kerala’s transport systems, public amenities, and service delivery while promoting technology-driven development and citizen-focused governance. The initiatives are expected to support economic activity, urban mobility, and research-led innovation across the state.
A major highlight of the event was the expansion of rail connectivity. The Prime Minister flagged off four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger service. The new services include the Nagercoil–Mangaluru Amrit Bharat Express, Thiruvananthapuram–Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express, Thiruvananthapuram–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, and a passenger train between Thrissur and Guruvayur. These additions are set to improve long-distance and regional travel between Kerala and neighbouring states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, offering safer, affordable, and time-efficient travel while supporting tourism, trade, education, and employment.
To strengthen urban livelihoods, the Prime Minister launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, marking the next phase of financial inclusion for street vendors. The UPI-enabled, interest-free revolving credit facility is designed to provide quick access to working capital, encourage digital transactions, and help beneficiaries build a formal credit profile. During the event, PM SVANidhi loans were disbursed to one lakh beneficiaries, including vendors from Kerala. Since its launch in 2020, the scheme has enabled large-scale access to formal credit for urban informal workers and contributed significantly to livelihood security and poverty reduction.
In the area of science and innovation, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the CSIR–NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub in Thiruvananthapuram. The hub will focus on life sciences and the bio-economy, promote integration of traditional knowledge systems such as Ayurveda with modern biotechnology, and support work in sustainable packaging and green hydrogen. It aims to accelerate startup creation, technology transfer, and global research collaboration, translating scientific research into commercially viable solutions.
Healthcare infrastructure also received a boost with the foundation stone being laid for a state-of-the-art Radiosurgery Center at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology. The facility will offer highly precise and minimally invasive treatment for complex brain disorders, strengthening tertiary healthcare services in the region.
Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new Poojappura Head Post Office in Thiruvananthapuram. Equipped with modern technology, the facility will provide a wide range of postal, banking, insurance, and digital services, further enhancing citizen-centric public service delivery.