Kerala, Friday: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited poll-bound Kerala on Friday, where he inaugurated multiple development initiatives and flagged off three Amrit Bharat Express trains, along with four other train services.
PM Modi arrived at Thiruvananthapuram airport around 10:25 am, greeted by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and other senior officials. The Prime Minister received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from a large crowd lining the streets of Thiruvananthapuram, with supporters waving flags and cheering as his convoy passed through the city.
This visit marks PM Modi’s first trip to Kerala since the BJP gained control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation in recent civic elections, ending the 45-year rule of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) over the local body.
During his address in Thiruvananthapuram, PM Modi emphasized the Centre’s efforts to accelerate Kerala’s development. He highlighted the strengthening of rail connectivity and announced initiatives to transform Thiruvananthapuram into a major startup hub.
Launch of Key Schemes and Trains
The Prime Minister launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card scheme, aimed at supporting street vendors, cart operators, and footpath hawkers, emphasizing its role in welfare initiatives for the poor across the country.
“From Kerala, an initiative has been initiated for the welfare of the poor across the country. Today, PM SVANidhi Credit Card has been launched. This will benefit street vendors, street carts, and footpath hawkers across the country,” he stated.
Earlier, PM Modi flagged off three Amrit Bharat Express trains, enhancing connectivity in the region, and inaugurated several development projects, including infrastructure and urban development initiatives.