New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card scheme and flagged off three Amrit Bharat Express trains during his visit to Kerala, marking a major push towards infrastructure growth, rail connectivity and welfare-driven initiatives in the state.
The Prime Minister arrived in Thiruvananthapuram in the morning and was accorded a warm reception by state leadership and senior officials. His arrival triggered a wave of public enthusiasm, with large crowds lining the streets to welcome him. Supporters gathered along the route of his convoy, creating a vibrant atmosphere and reflecting strong public interest in the visit.
This visit holds political significance as it is the Prime Minister’s first trip to Kerala after the BJP secured control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation in the recent civic polls, bringing an end to decades of Left dominance in the local body.
Addressing a public programme in the state capital, the Prime Minister highlighted the Centre’s focus on accelerating Kerala’s development. He said that rail infrastructure in the state has been significantly strengthened, adding that new train services would improve mobility and economic activity. He also underlined efforts to position Thiruvananthapuram as a prominent startup and innovation hub, backed by policy support and institutional development.
A key highlight of the visit was the launch of the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, a financial inclusion initiative aimed at empowering street vendors, cart operators and footpath hawkers. The scheme is designed to provide easy access to working capital and digital transactions, helping small traders expand their livelihoods and improve financial stability. The Prime Minister described the initiative as a step towards inclusive growth, extending benefits from Kerala to disadvantaged sections across the country.
In addition to the credit card launch, the Prime Minister flagged off three Amrit Bharat Express trains, further strengthening Kerala’s rail connectivity. He also laid the foundation stone for the CSIR NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub in Thiruvananthapuram, reinforcing the city’s role in research and startup development.
Later in the day, the Prime Minister was scheduled to address a BJP NDA public meeting in the city, signalling the party’s growing political momentum in Kerala alongside its development agenda.
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