PM Modi Launches Major Development Projects, Flags Off New Trains in Kerala

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a series of major development initiatives in Kerala, asserting that the projects would create new opportunities and accelerate the state’s growth. His visit comes at a politically significant time, with Kerala heading towards Assembly elections later this year.

The prime minister arrived in Thiruvananthapuram in the morning and began the day by inaugurating and laying foundation stones for multiple infrastructure and innovation projects. He also flagged off four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger train, aimed at strengthening rail connectivity across Kerala and neighbouring states.

Addressing a public gathering, PM Modi said the Centre’s efforts for Kerala’s development had gained fresh momentum. He highlighted that improved rail infrastructure, startup-focused initiatives, and welfare schemes launched from the state would benefit not just Kerala but the entire country. According to him, enhanced connectivity would help boost economic activity, tourism, and employment while ensuring faster and more affordable travel for passengers.

Among the major initiatives unveiled was the launch of the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, a nationwide scheme aimed at empowering street vendors. The UPI-linked, interest-free revolving credit facility is expected to provide instant liquidity, encourage digital transactions, and help beneficiaries build formal credit histories. The prime minister described the scheme as a significant step towards financial inclusion and economic security for small vendors and those working on footpaths.

During his visit, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for the CSIR–National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub in Thiruvananthapuram. The hub will focus on life sciences, bio-economy, sustainable packaging, green hydrogen, and the integration of traditional knowledge systems such as Ayurveda with modern biotechnology. The initiative is designed to promote startup creation, technology transfer, and global collaboration while converting research into market-ready solutions.

Rail connectivity emerged as a key focus of the visit. The four new train 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 services are expected to significantly improve regional and long-distance connectivity between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

Kerala holds strategic importance for the Bharatiya Janata Party’s broader ambitions in southern India. While the party has historically struggled to establish a strong voter base in the state, recent electoral gains have been viewed as milestones. The BJP secured its first Lok Sabha seat from Kerala in 2024 and registered a notable victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation election last year.

Following his official engagements in Kerala, PM Modi is scheduled to travel to Tamil Nadu, where he will address a party rally as part of the BJP-led alliance’s campaign ahead of the Assembly elections. With multiple states set to go to the polls this year, the prime minister’s back-to-back visits underscore the ruling party’s focus on development-led outreach and regional expansion.