PM Modi Launches Rail, Urban Livelihood, Innovation and Healthcare Projects in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid foundation stones, inaugurated and flagged off multiple development projects in Thiruvananthapuram, spanning rail connectivity, urban livelihoods, science and innovation, citizen services and advanced healthcare.

Addressing a public gathering, the Prime Minister said the Union government’s efforts towards Kerala’s development had gained fresh momentum, citing enhanced rail connectivity and initiatives aimed at positioning Thiruvananthapuram as a major startup and innovation hub.

Rail Connectivity and Mobility Boost

As part of the visit, the Prime Minister flagged off four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains—connecting Nagercoil with Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram with Tambaram, and Thiruvananthapuram with Charlapalli—and a new passenger train between Thrissur and Guruvayur. The services are expected to strengthen regional and inter-state connectivity between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, while supporting tourism, trade and employment.

PM SVANidhi Credit Card Launched

From Kerala, the Prime Minister also launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, marking the next phase of financial inclusion for street vendors. The UPI-linked, interest-free revolving credit facility is aimed at providing instant liquidity, promoting digital transactions and enabling beneficiaries to build formal credit histories.

Modi said the initiative would benefit street vendors, hawkers and footpath workers across the country. During the event, PM SVANidhi credit cards were distributed to beneficiaries, including about 10,000 in Kerala and more than 600 in Thiruvananthapuram. The Prime Minister also disbursed PM SVANidhi loans to one lakh beneficiaries nationwide.

Focus on Urban Poor and Social Security

Highlighting the government’s urban development push over the past 11 years, Modi said cities play a critical role in achieving the goal of a developed India. He noted that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, more than four crore houses have been built for the poor across the country, including over one crore for urban beneficiaries. In Kerala, nearly 1.25 lakh urban poor families have received permanent homes.

The Prime Minister also referred to welfare measures such as Ayushman Bharat, which provides free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh, the Matru Vandana Yojana for women’s health security, and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana aimed at reducing electricity expenses for poor households. He added that exemption of income up to ₹12 lakh from tax has benefited middle-class and salaried families, including in Kerala.

Science, Innovation and Healthcare Projects

In the field 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, integration of traditional knowledge systems such as Ayurveda with modern biotechnology, sustainable technologies and startup creation.

He also laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art radiosurgery centre at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, aimed at providing minimally invasive treatment for complex neurological conditions.

In addition, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new Poojappura Head Post Office, a modern, technology-enabled facility offering postal, banking, insurance and digital services.

Kerala governor Rajendra Arlekar, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union ministers V. Somanna and George Kurian, and Thiruvananthapuram mayor VV Rajesh were among those present at the event.

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said that a developed Kerala is integral to achieving the vision of a developed India, and reiterated the Union government’s commitment to supporting the state’s growth trajectory.