Thiruvananthapuram buzzed with excitement on Friday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived for a high-profile visit, greeted by a spectacular welcome from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The Prime Minister’s itinerary packed several major development projects, setting the stage for accelerated growth in the state.
Vijayan, addressing a large gathering, described the moment as a ‘proud and joyous occasion’ for Kerala. He emphasized how PM Modi’s presence to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for key initiatives would propel the state’s progress to new heights.
The event saw an impressive lineup of dignitaries, including Governor Rajendra V Arlekar, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh, Union Minister of State George Kurian, Local Self-Government Minister M.B. Rajesh, MP Shashi Tharoor, former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, senior officials, and beneficiaries of welfare schemes.
Spotlight fell on the foundation stone for the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Hub, the inauguration of the new Poojappura Head Post Office building, and the launch of the PM SVANidhi scheme benefiting one lakh street vendors. Beneficiaries received credit cards and loan cheques on the spot, marking a tangible step towards financial inclusion.
CM Vijayan highlighted PM Modi’s flagging off of three Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger train, calling these new rail services ‘crucial’ for enhancing connectivity and spurring economic activities across Kerala.
‘It’s a moment of immense satisfaction for the state government, as we’ve been persistently seeking central approvals for many of these projects,’ Vijayan noted, expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister. He voiced optimism that the Centre’s ‘concern and goodwill’ towards Kerala would persist, addressing the state’s genuine demands in other sectors over time.
The Chief Minister assured that with PM Modi’s oversight, these projects would be completed on schedule, fostering sustained development. In closing, Vijayan extended a heartfelt welcome once again on behalf of the state.