Prime Minister Modi on January 23 in Thiruvananthapuram set in motion the newly allotted three new
Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger train service for Kerala via video around 11 am at Putharikandam Maidanam in the State capital.
Reportedly, Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express (from Thiruvananthapuram Central station), the Nagercoil-Mangaluru Amrit Bharat Express (from Thiruvananthapuram Central station), the Thiruvananthapuram-Charlappalli Amrit Bharat Express (from Thiruvananthapuram North station) and the Thrissur-Guruvayur Passenger Train (from Thrissur station) departed for their destinations from the respective stations soon after the ceremony.
As part of efforts to strengthen urban livelihood, PM launched SVANidhi Credit Card that marks the next phase of financial inclusion for street vendors.
Notably the Prime Minister touched down at the Thiruvananthapuram airport around 10.24 a.m. At the airport he was received by Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and others. He was then escorted to the roadshow point at Overbridge. Waving BJP flags, placards and saffron festoons, people in large numbers gathered on either side of the road from the airport premises to Overbridge to greet the Prime Minister.
Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna and Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi attended the function at Thiruvananthapuram North and Thrissur railway stations, respectively, along with other elected representatives and dignitaries. Notedly, the trains would be accorded receptions at various railway stations across the State amidst their inaugural journey.
Developed Kerala is vital for dream of a developed India, says PM Modi
The Prime Minister also disbursed PM SVANidhi loans to 1 lakh beneficiaries, including street vendors from the State.
Innovation hub
The foundation stone for the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub was also laid here on the occasion. The hub will focus on life sciences and bio-economy, integrate traditional knowledge systems such as Ayurveda with modern biotechnology, sustainable packaging, and green hydrogen, and promote start-up creation, technology transfer, and global collaboration. It will serve as a platform for converting research into market-ready solutions and enterprises.
The foundation stone for a state-of-the-art radiosurgery centre at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology was also laid. The facility will provide highly precise, minimally invasive treatment for complex brain disorders, enhancing regional tertiary health-care capabilities. The Prime Minister also inaugurated a new head post office at Poojappura on the occasion. The modern, technology-enabled facility will offer a comprehensive range of postal, banking, insurance and digital services, further strengthening citizen-centric service delivery.
News Edit KV Raman
