Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a visit to poll-bound Kerala, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a series of development projects and flagged off four new train services, including three
Amrit Bharat Express trains, on Friday.
Prime Minister Modi landed at the Thiruvananthapuram airport at around 10.25 am, according to airport officials. He was received by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other senior dignitaries.
PM Modi Receives Rousing Welcome
The PM received a rousing welcome in the southern state as a large and enthusiastic crowd lined the streets of Thiruvananthapuram to catch glimpses of him.
#WATCH | Enthusiastic crowds lined the streets in Thiruvananthapuram to welcome PM Modi to Kerala, today
(video source: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/XF5yIUG5Ea
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2026
Supporters gathered along the roads, waving flags and cheering as his convoy passed, reflecting the high public interest and energy surrounding the PM’s visit to the state.
This marks the PM’s first visit to Kerala since the BJP secured control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation in the recent civic elections, ending the Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) 45-year hold over the local body.
PM Modi Highlights Govt Efforts To Boost Kerala’s Development
Speaking at a programme in Thiruvananthapuram, PM Modi highlighted the Centre’s initiatives to boost Kerala’s development. He said the state’s rail connectivity has been strengthened and efforts are underway to make Thiruvananthapuram a major startup hub.
#WATCH | Kerala: At a programme in Thiruvananthapuram, PM Narendra Modi says, “Today, Centre’s efforts towards the development of Kerala have received a new impetus. Starting today, Kerala’s rail connectivity has been further strengthened. To make Thiruvananthapuram a major… pic.twitter.com/8VYfkm7AEJ
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2026
“Today, Centre’s efforts towards the development of Kerala have received a new impetus. Starting today, Kerala’s rail connectivity has been further strengthened. To make Thiruvananthapuram a major startup hub of the country, significant efforts have been made,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi Launches PM SVANidhi Credit Card Scheme
He also launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card scheme, aimed at supporting street vendors, cart operators, and footpath hawkers, describing it as part of a broader initiative from Kerala for the welfare of 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…,” the PM remarked.
Ahead of his engagements, the PM shared details of his visit on X, outlining the key programmes scheduled for the day.
Looking forward to being among my sisters and brothers of Thiruvananthapuram today. Various development works will be launched from this great city. This includes:
Launch of the PM SVANidhi Credit Card and disbursal of PM SVANidhi loans to 1 lakh beneficiaries.
Flagging off of… pic.twitter.com/SiDF1kXE4C
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2026
“Looking forward to being among my sisters and brothers of Thiruvananthapuram today. Various development works will be launched from this great city. This includes: Launch of the PM SVANidhi Credit Card and disbursal of PM SVANidhi loans to 1 lakh beneficiaries. Flagging off of three Amrit Bharat Express trains, which will boost Kerala’s connectivity. Laying the foundation stone for the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub in Thiruvananthapuram,” PM Modi wrote on X
In another post on X, PM Modi referred to the BJP’s recent electoral success in the city, signaling growing support for the party in Kerala.
Looking forward to addressing a BJP-NDA public meeting in Thiruvananthapuram today. This city scripted history by blessing us in the recently concluded corporation elections. It’s clear Kerala is looking to break free from the fixed match of LDF and UDF.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2026
“Looking forward to addressing a BJP-NDA public meeting in Thiruvananthapuram today. This city scripted history by blessing us in the recently concluded corporation elections. It’s clear Kerala is looking to break free from the fixed match of LDF and UDF,” he stated.









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