Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, laid the foundation stone and inaugurated a host of development projects of various Ministries, including Indian Railways, on 23rd January 2026 from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. As part of the Railway initiatives, the Hon’ble Prime Minister flagged off three Amrit Bharat Express trains and one Passenger train service, marking a major boost to rail connectivity in the Southern States.

As part of the multi-ministry programme, the Hon’ble Prime Minister  inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a host of development projects of other Ministries, including the Ministry of Science & Technology, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, and the Department of Posts, among others.

The main function, graced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, was held at Putharikandam Grounds, Thiruvananthapuram,  in the presence of Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Hon’ble Governor of Kerala,  Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, Hon’ble  Chief Minister of Kerala,  Shri V. Somanna, Hon’ble Minister of State for Railways and  Jal Shakti, Shri George Kurian Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and  Minority Affairs, Shri V.V. Rajesh, Hon’ble Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram,  Kerala,       Dr Shashi Tharoor, Hon’ble Member of Parliament and other dignitaries, senior officials of participating Ministries, and the general public.

In addition, ceremonial functions were organised at Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, Thiruvananthapuram North Railway Station, and Thrissur Railway Station, where the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s programme was live-streamed and the inaugural specials commenced their journeys.

Ceremonial Function at Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station

The ceremonial function at Thiruvananthapuram Central was held in the presence of senior Railway officials, members of Railway Passenger Associations, Zonal and Divisional Rail User Consultative Committees, media, and the public.

From Thiruvananthapuram Central, the inaugural services of the following trains commenced after being flagged off by the Hon’ble Prime Minister from the main venue:

Thiruvananthapuram Central – Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express

connects Kerala’s capital city with major industrial, educational, medical, and commercial centres of Tamil Nadu. The train enhances inter-state mobility between Kerala and Tamil Nadu and is expected to significantly benefit students, working professionals, traders, and patients travelling for healthcare, besides promoting tourism and cultural exchanges.

2. Nagercoil Jn – Mangaluru Jn Amrit Bharat Express

This train strengthens west coast rail connectivity by linking southern Tamil Nadu with coastal Karnataka through Kerala. The service offers faster, affordable, and reliable long-distance travel, benefiting passengers along the Kerala coast and boosting tourism, fisheries-related activities, and small trade across states.

Ceremonial Function at Thiruvananthapuram North Railway Station

The ceremonial function at Thiruvananthapuram North Railway Station was held in the presence of Shri Kadakampally Surendran, Hon’ble Minister for Co-operation, Tourism and Devaswoms, Govt. of Kerala, Railway officials, Rail User Consultative Committee members, media, and the public.

From Thiruvananthapuram North, the inaugural service of the Thiruvananthapuram North – Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express commenced its maiden run.

This service provides a strong rail link between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, connecting major economic, educational, cultural, and pilgrimage centres en route. The train facilitates economical, safe, and dependable long-distance travel for common passengers, especially students, professionals, and traders, thereby strengthening inter-state connectivity and regional integration.

Ceremonial Function at Thrissur Railway Station

The ceremonial function at Thrissur Railway Station was held in the presence of Shri Suresh Gopi, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Tourism, Petroleum and Natural Gas, senior Railway officials, public representatives, passenger associations, media, and the public.

From Thrissur, the inaugural service of the Thrissur – Guruvayur Passenger Train was flagged off.

This passenger service provides direct and convenient rail connectivity between Thrissur, an important urban and cultural hub, and Guruvayur, one of the most prominent pilgrimage centres in Kerala. The service will benefit daily commuters, students, devotees, and tourists, while supporting the local economy and religious tourism.

As part of the initiatives of other ministries Hon’ble PM laid the foundation stone for the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub, a state-of-the-art radiosurgery centre at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology and inaugurated the New Head Post Office Building at Poojappura in Thiruvananthapuram.  Hon’ble PM also launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, marking the next phase of financial inclusion for street vendors, while disbursing loans to one lakh beneficiaries under the scheme.

Source/RSB