Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 23, 2026, flagged off four new train services in Kerala, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains, as part of efforts to enhance regional rail connectivity. The event took place in Thiruvananthapuram, where a grand BJP welcome included a massive roadshow and public gathering. These new services will strengthen connectivity across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, improving accessibility for tourism, trade, education, employment, and cultural exchange.

The three Amrit Bharat Express trains include:

• Nagercoil Junction–Mangaluru Junction Amrit Bharat Express

• Thiruvananthapuram Central–Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express

• Thiruvananthapuram North–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express

From the main venue at Thiruvananthapuram Central, the first two trains were flagged off by PM Modi, while the Thiruvananthapuram North–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express began its journey at 10.45 a.m. These services are designed to make travel more affordable, safe, and time-bound for passengers, boosting long-distance and regional mobility while connecting key economic and cultural centres.

In addition to transport initiatives, PM Modi launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, a UPI-linked, interest-free revolving credit facility for street vendors. This step represents the next phase of financial inclusion, providing instant liquidity, promoting digital transactions, and helping beneficiaries build formal credit histories. Concurrently, PM Modi disbursed PM SVANidhi loans to one lakh beneficiaries, including urban informal workers from Kerala. Since its launch in 2020, the scheme has enabled first-time access to formal credit for many recipients, playing a crucial role in poverty alleviation and livelihood security.

On the innovation front, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub in Thiruvananthapuram. The hub is set to focus on life sciences, bio-economy, and the fusion of Ayurveda with modern biotechnology. It will also prioritise sustainable packaging, green hydrogen, startup incubation, technology transfer, and global collaboration. The hub aims to convert cutting-edge research into market-ready solutions and enterprises, driving technological advancement and entrepreneurship in Kerala and beyond.

The launch of Amrit Bharat Express trains and financial inclusion initiatives, combined with the creation of a state-of-the-art innovation hub, reflects PM Modi’s multi-pronged vision for inclusive growth. These measures are expected to strengthen Kerala’s economy, enhance mobility, empower urban workers, and foster innovation, linking the state seamlessly with neighbouring regions of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

Through these initiatives, the central government seeks to provide better transport infrastructure, enhanced livelihood opportunities, and a platform for science-led entrepreneurship, demonstrating a holistic approach to development that combines connectivity, finance, and innovation. This marks a significant step toward boosting tourism, trade, education, and employment in the region while promoting technology-driven solutions and sustainable practices.

The PM SVANidhi Credit Card, loan disbursement, and Amrit Bharat Express services together exemplify the government’s commitment to modernising urban infrastructure, facilitating financial empowerment, and enhancing regional integration. Meanwhile, the CSIR-NIIST Innovation Hub promises to be a catalyst for Kerala’s emerging start-up ecosystem, nurturing research-driven enterprises and leveraging India’s traditional knowledge systems in contemporary industries.

In conclusion, PM Modi’s initiatives in Kerala on January 23, 2026, represent a strategic push to boost connectivity, empower urban livelihoods, and accelerate scientific and technological innovation, positioning the state for inclusive growth and closer integration with southern and western Indian regions.

Join our Telegram Channel for Latest News and Regular Updates.

Start your Mutual Fund Journey  by Opening Free Account in Asset Plus.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.