Thiruvananthapuram: Declaring that the vision of a Developed India can be achieved only through a Developed Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the state’s development journey is entering a new phase. Addressing a large gathering in Thiruvananthapuram, the Prime Minister assured Kerala of the Centre’s full support and announced plans to transform the capital into a major startup hub.
Speaking at the Railway function held at Putharikandam Maidan, PM flagged off three Amrit Bharat Express trains, marking a significant upgrade in Kerala’s rail connectivity. “The first step towards making Thiruvananthapuram a startup hub is being taken today,” PM said, adding that cities will play a decisive role in shaping a developed India.
Addressing the audience as “my friends,” the Prime Minister highlighted key welfare initiatives of the Union government aimed at reducing urban poverty. PM said Kerala has received 2.5 million houses under the PM Awas Yojana, while free healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh is being provided to the poor. PM also referred to the PM Surya Ghar scheme, introduced to help households escape rising electricity costs.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated the PM SVANidhi Credit Card scheme, under which street vendors now have access to credit cards—previously limited to the affluent. PM said 10,000 beneficiaries in Kerala have already received credit cards under the scheme.
With the launch of the new Amrit Bharat services, Kerala’s rail network will become stronger and more efficient, Modi said. PM added that the Thrissur–Guruvayur train service would bring a major boost to pilgrimage tourism in the state.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor Rajendra Arlekar, and other senior leaders attended the event, which underscored the Centre’s renewed focus on Kerala’s development.
