PM Modi Launches Multi-Sector Development Projects in Thiruvananthapuram, Boosts Rail Connectivity and Urban Livelihoods.
Thiruvananthapuram:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and flagged off a series of major developmental projects in Thiruvananthapuram, giving fresh momentum to Kerala’s growth across sectors such as rail connectivity, urban livelihoods, science and innovation, healthcare and citizen-centric services.
Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister said that the Union Government’s efforts for Kerala’s development have entered a new phase. He highlighted that enhanced rail connectivity and targeted initiatives are being undertaken to transform Thiruvananthapuram into a major startup and innovation hub. He also announced the launch of the PM SVANidhi Credit Card from Kerala, calling it a significant nationwide step towards the welfare of the poor, especially street vendors, hawkers and footpath workers across the country.
The Prime Minister congratulated the people of Kerala and citizens nationwide for these development and employment-generating initiatives, stating that a united national effort is underway to build a developed India.
Focus on Urban Development and Housing
Emphasising the role of cities in India’s growth story, the Prime Minister said that over the past 11 years, the Union Government has made substantial investments in urban infrastructure. He underlined that special attention has been given to poor families living in cities.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, more than 4 crore houses have been constructed nationwide, including over 1 crore permanent houses for the urban poor. In Kerala alone, nearly 1.25 lakh urban poor families have received permanent homes, he said.
Support for Poor, Middle Class and Women
The Prime Minister said that to reduce electricity expenses for poor families, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has been launched. He added that under Ayushman Bharat, poor citizens are receiving free health treatment worth up to Rs. 5 lakh, while schemes such as the Matru Vandana Yojana are ensuring better health security for women.
He also highlighted tax relief measures, noting that income up to Rs. 12 lakh has been exempted from tax, benefiting the middle class and salaried people, including a large number in Kerala.
Financial Inclusion and Street Vendors’ Welfare
Prime Minister Modi said that in the last 11 years, crores of citizens have been connected to the banking system. Poor families, SC, ST, OBC communities, women and fishermen can now easily access bank loans, with the Union Government acting as guarantor in the absence of collateral.
He noted that the condition of street vendors has changed significantly through the PM SVANidhi Scheme, which has enabled lakhs of vendors to receive bank loans for the first time. Taking the initiative further, the Government has now introduced PM SVANidhi Credit Cards, giving street vendors access to an interest-free revolving credit facility.
The Prime Minister said that credit cards, once accessible only to the wealthy, are now in the hands of street vendors as well. He informed that 10,000 beneficiaries in Kerala, including over 600 in Thiruvananthapuram, have received SVANidhi Credit Cards.
Boost to Science, Innovation and Healthcare
Highlighting investments in future-ready sectors, the Prime Minister pointed to the inauguration of the CSIR Innovation Hub in Kerala, which will focus on life sciences, bio-economy, green hydrogen, sustainable packaging and integration of traditional knowledge like Ayurveda with modern biotechnology. The hub aims to promote startups, technology transfer and global collaboration.
In healthcare, he laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Radiosurgery Centre at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology. The facility will provide precise and minimally invasive treatment for complex brain disorders, strengthening tertiary healthcare services in the region.
Strengthening Rail Connectivity
Rail connectivity in Kerala received a major boost with the flagging off of four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains—Nagercoil–Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram–Tambaram and Thiruvananthapuram–Charlapalli—and a new passenger train between Thrissur and Guruvayur. These services will enhance connectivity between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, benefiting tourism, trade, education and employment.
The Prime Minister said that improved rail services will also make travel easier for pilgrims and contribute to regional economic growth.
Citizen-Centric Services
The Prime Minister also inaugurated the new Poojappura Head Post Office in Thiruvananthapuram, a modern facility offering postal, banking, insurance and digital services aimed at strengthening citizen-centric service delivery.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi said that a developed Kerala is essential for achieving the vision of a developed India, and assured that the Union Government stands firmly with the people of the State in this journey.
The event was attended by the Governor of Kerala, Chief Minister of Kerala, Union Ministers, the Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram and other dignitaries.
