Jan 22: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Kerala on January 23, 2026, to lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and flag off a series of major development projects in Thiruvananthapuram, spanning critical sectors such as rail connectivity, urban livelihoods, science and innovation, citizen-centric services and advanced healthcare. The Prime Minister will also address a public gathering during the event.
The wide-ranging initiatives reflect the Government of India’s continued focus on inclusive growth, technological advancement and improved quality of life for citizens across the country.
Boost to Rail Connectivity Across Southern India
In a significant push to rail infrastructure, the Prime Minister will flag off four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger train. These services include the Nagercoil–Mangaluru Amrit Bharat Express, Thiruvananthapuram–Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express, Thiruvananthapuram–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, and a new Thrissur–Guruvayur passenger train.
The new rail services will substantially improve long-distance and regional connectivity between Kerala and neighbouring states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Enhanced rail links are expected to boost tourism, trade, education, employment opportunities and cultural exchange, while ensuring affordable, safe and time-bound travel for passengers.
Strengthening Urban Livelihoods Through PM SVANidhi
As part of efforts to empower urban informal workers, the Prime Minister will launch the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, marking the next phase of financial inclusion for street vendors. The UPI-linked, interest-free revolving credit facility will provide instant liquidity, encourage digital transactions and help beneficiaries build a formal credit history.
Additionally, the Prime Minister will disburse PM SVANidhi loans to one lakh beneficiaries, including street vendors from Kerala. Since its launch in 2020, the PM SVANidhi scheme has enabled first-time access to formal credit for millions of vendors and has played a crucial role in livelihood security and poverty alleviation.
Focus on Science, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
In the domain of science and innovation, the Prime Minister will lay 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, integrating traditional knowledge systems such as Ayurveda with modern biotechnology, sustainable packaging and green hydrogen technologies.
The facility aims to promote startup creation, technology transfer and global collaboration, serving as a bridge between research institutions and market-ready solutions.
Advanced Healthcare and Citizen-Centric Services
Strengthening healthcare infrastructure is another key highlight of the visit. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Radiosurgery Centre at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, enhancing access to advanced, minimally invasive treatment for complex brain disorders.
He will also inaugurate the new Poojappura Head Post Office, a modern, technology-enabled facility offering postal, banking, insurance and digital services, reinforcing efficient and citizen-centric service delivery.