Narendra Modi Says Centre’s Efforts Giving New Momentum to Kerala’s Development

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a key event in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, on Friday, said that the continuous efforts of the central government are giving new impetus to Kerala's development. He said that today, positive changes are beginning from Thiruvananthapuram not only for the state but for the entire country. The entire country is moving forward unitedly to fulfill the resolve of a developed India.

Rail Connectivity and New Employment Opportunities

The Prime Minister placed special emphasis on strengthening rail connectivity in Kerala. He flagged off four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains. PM Modi said that these trains will provide affordable and modern facilities to passengers, while also creating new opportunities for trade, tourism, and employment. Improved connectivity will take Kerala's economy to new heights.

Steps towards making Thiruvananthapuram a startup hub

The Prime Minister said that concrete steps have been taken to develop Thiruvananthapuram as a leading startup hub in the country. Youth are being encouraged to pursue innovation, startups, and entrepreneurship, enabling them to become self-reliant and job creators. This is a major effort to provide a global platform to the talent of Kerala's youth.

A major initiative for the welfare of the poor: PM SVANidhi Credit Card

PM Modi said that today, a major initiative for the welfare of the poor has begun in Kerala for the entire country. The PM SVANidhi Credit Card has been launched, directly benefiting street vendors, hawkers, and footpath traders. It is an interest-free revolving credit card linked to UPI that provides instant cash access, promotes digital transactions, and helps build a credit history.

He informed that these cards have been distributed to over 10,000 beneficiaries in Kerala and over 600 in Thiruvananthapuram. Previously, credit cards were limited to the wealthy, but now this facility has reached the poor and working class. They will no longer be forced to borrow from moneylenders at high interest rates, as the government itself is providing bank loans by acting as a guarantor.

Welfare schemes benefit every section of society

The Prime Minister said that the PM Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme is reducing people's electricity bills. The Ayushman Bharat Scheme provides free treatment up to ₹5 lakh. The Matru Vandana Yojana symbolizes the respect and empowerment of women, while making annual income up to ₹12 lakh tax-free has provided significant relief to the middle class. More than 40 million houses have been built so far under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, including more than 10 million for the urban poor.

Focus on Science, Health, and Innovation

PM Modi said that the central government is working to consider connectivity, science, innovation, and health as the strengths of the future. The foundation stone of the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Hub was laid in Thiruvananthapuram. Additionally, a radio surgery center has been launched at the medical college, giving Kerala a new identity in the field of science and health.

Campaign to Connect the Poor to the Banking System

The Prime Minister said that in the last 11 years, crores of people have been connected to the banking system. The poor, SC-ST, OBC, women, and fishermen are now able to easily obtain loans. The government has taken the initiative to address the guarantee issue so that no talent is left behind due to lack of resources. This is a strong foundation for building a developed India.

Growing Trust in the BJP in Kerala

PM Modi said that before 1987, the BJP was a small party in Gujarat, but the victory in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation marked the beginning and the people gave the party an opportunity to serve. Similarly, the BJP's victory in Thiruvananthapuram is historic. He said that the formation of the BJP government in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation is not just an electoral victory, but a victory of good governance and the resolve for a developed Kerala, the reverberations of which are being heard across the country.

Calling for a New Direction for Kerala Politics

The Prime Minister stated that the upcoming elections will transform the state and direction of Kerala. Until now, the state has only seen the LDF and UDF, which have alternately plunged Kerala into the politics of corruption and misgovernance. He stated that the BJP is a strong third option that can provide a new direction to Kerala's future with good governance, development, and honest politics.