NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and flagged off various developmental projects in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. 

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, PM Modi remarked that the Union Government’s efforts for Kerala’s development have gained new momentum today. He highlighted that rail connectivity in Kerala has been further strengthened and initiatives have been undertaken to transform Thiruvananthapuram into a major startup hub. The PM stated that from Kerala, a significant nationwide initiative for poor welfare has also begun with the launch of the PM SVANidhi Credit Card. PM Modi emphasized that this will benefit street vendors, hawkers, and those working on footpaths across the country. He extended his congratulations to the people of Kerala and citizens across the nation for these development and employment-generating initiatives.

Emphasising that the entire nation is united today in its efforts to build a developed India, PM Modi highlighted that cities have a crucial role in this mission and emphasized that over the past 11 years, the Union Government has made substantial investments in urban infrastructure. PM underlined that Union Government has also undertaken extensive work for poor families living in cities. He stated that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, more than 4 crore houses have been constructed and provided to the poor across the country, including over 1 crore permanent houses for urban poor. The PM noted that in Kerala alone, nearly 1.25 lakh urban poor families have received their permanent homes.

PM highlighted that to reduce electricity expenses for poor families, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has been launched. He remarked that under Ayushman Bharat, poor citizens are receiving free health treatment worth ₹5 lakh, and schemes like the Matru Vandana Yojana have been introduced to ensure the health security of women. PM Modi emphasized that the Union Government has also exempted income up to ₹12 lakh from tax, which has greatly benefited the middle class and salaried people of Kerala as well. 

PM Modi noted that in the past 11 years, a massive effort has been made to connect crores of citizens to the banking system. The PM stated that now the poor, SC, ST, OBC communities, women, and fishermen are able to access bank loans easily, with the Union Government itself acting as their guarantor when they lack collateral. 

PM further remarked that the condition of street vendors, who earlier struggled to borrow even a few hundred rupees at high interest rates, has been transformed through the PM SVANidhi Scheme. PM Modi underlined that for the first time, lakhs of street vendors across the country have received loans from banks, bringing them significant support and opportunities to improve their livelihoods.

PM Modi remarked that the Government of India has taken a step further by providing credit cards to street vendors. He highlighted that PM SVANidhi Credit Cards have just been distributed here, including to 10,000 beneficiaries in Kerala and more than 600 in Thiruvananthapuram. The PM noted that earlier only the wealthy had access to credit cards, but now street vendors too possess the SVANidhi Credit Card. 

PM Modi emphasized that the Union Government is making significant investments in connectivity, science and innovation, and healthcare. He pointed out the inauguration of the CSIR Innovation Hub in Kerala and the launch of a Radio Surgery Centre at the Medical College, which will help establish Kerala as a hub of science, innovation, and healthcare. 

The PM further remarked that Kerala’s rail connectivity has been strengthened with the flagging off of Amrit Bharat Express trains, which will enhance ease of travel and benefit the tourism sector. He added that the new passenger train between Guruvayur and Thrissur will make journeys easier for pilgrims. PM Modi underlined that all these projects will accelerate Kerala’s development and concluded by stating that a developed Kerala is essential for realizing the dream of a developed India, with the Union Government standing firmly alongside the people of Kerala.