New Delhi, 23 January (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a pivotal visit to Kerala today on Friday, commencing around 10:45 AM, to lay foundation stones, inaugurate projects, and flag off initiatives across rail connectivity, urban livelihoods, science, healthcare, and citizen services in Thiruvananthapuram.

He will also address a public gathering, underscoring the government's emphasis on inclusive development and technological progress.

Rail Connectivity Boost

Prime Minister Modi will flag off four new train services to revolutionize regional links between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. These comprise three Amrit Bharat Express trains—the Nagercoil-Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram, and Thiruvananthapuram-Charlapalli—alongside a new Thrissur-Guruvayur passenger train, promising affordable, secure, and efficient travel to spur tourism, trade, education, jobs, and cultural ties.

Urban Livelihood Enhancements

A landmark launch will introduce the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, an UPI-linked, interest-free revolving credit tool for street vendors, enabling instant liquidity, digital payments, and credit history building since the scheme's 2020 inception.

Prime Minister Modi will disburse loans to one lakh beneficiaries, including Kerala's vendors, advancing poverty reduction and informal sector stability.

Science and Innovation Hub

The foundation stone for the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Hub will be laid, targeting life sciences, bio-economy, Ayurveda-biotech fusion, sustainable packaging, and green hydrogen to nurture startups, tech transfers, and global partnerships, transforming research into viable enterprises.

Healthcare and Postal Upgrades

Prime Minister Modi will initiate a cutting-edge Radiosurgery Centre at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, delivering precise, minimally invasive brain disorder treatments to elevate tertiary care. He will also unveil the tech-savvy Poojappura Head Post Office, integrating postal, banking, insurance, and digital services for seamless citizen access.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar