Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kerala on January 23, 2026, to inaugurate, lay foundation stones and flag off a series of major development projects in Thiruvananthapuram, reinforcing the Centre’s focus on infrastructure-led growth and inclusive development.
Boost to Rail Connectivity with Amrit Bharat Express Trains
A major highlight of the Prime Minister’s Kerala visit will be the flagging off of four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains. These include the Nagercoil–Mangaluru Amrit Bharat Express, Thiruvananthapuram–Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express, and Thiruvananthapuram–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express.
In addition, a new passenger train service between Thrissur and Guruvayur will also be flagged off. The new rail services are aimed at improving both long-distance and regional connectivity, linking Kerala more seamlessly with Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The Amrit Bharat Express trains are designed to offer affordable, safe and time-bound travel, particularly benefiting middle-class and working passengers. Improved rail connectivity is expected to give a significant push to tourism, trade, education, employment and cultural exchange across southern India.
PM SVANidhi Credit Card to Strengthen Urban Livelihoods
In a key step towards strengthening urban livelihoods, Prime Minister Modi will launch the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, marking the next phase of financial inclusion for street vendors. The card is a UPI-linked, interest-free revolving credit facility that provides instant liquidity to beneficiaries.
The initiative aims to promote digital transactions while helping street vendors build a formal credit history. During the event, the Prime Minister will also disburse PM SVANidhi loans to one lakh beneficiaries, including a large number of street vendors from Kerala.
Launched in 2020, the PM SVANidhi scheme has played a crucial role in enabling first-time access to formal credit for urban informal workers, contributing to poverty alleviation and livelihood security across cities.
CSIR–NIIST Innovation Hub to Drive Research and Startups
As part of efforts to strengthen India’s science and innovation ecosystem, 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, while integrating traditional knowledge systems such as Ayurveda with modern biotechnology. Key areas of work will include sustainable packaging solutions, green hydrogen, startup incubation, technology transfer and global research collaboration.
The facility is expected to serve as a bridge between laboratory research and market-ready solutions, fostering entrepreneurship and high-value employment in the region.
Advanced Healthcare and Citizen-Centric Services
Strengthening healthcare infrastructure will be another important component of the visit. Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Radiosurgery Centre at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram.
The centre will provide highly precise, minimally invasive treatment for complex brain disorders, significantly enhancing tertiary healthcare capabilities not only for Kerala but for the wider southern region.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the new Poojappura Head Post Office in Thiruvananthapuram. The modern, technology-enabled facility will offer postal, banking, insurance and digital services under one roof, further strengthening citizen-centric service delivery.
