Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Ernakulam in Kerala on 11th March, 2026 and inaugurated, laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the Nation, various important projects of ministries such as  the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy and Ministry of Railways.  The main function graced by Hon’ble Prime Minister was attended by Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Hon’ble Governor of Kerala, Union Ministers of State Shri Suresh Gopi and Shri George Kurian and Member of Parliament Shri Hibi Eden, along with senior Govt. officials and other dignitaries participated in the event.

Simultaneously, ceremonial programmes were organised at the redeveloped stations and other associated locations including Shoranur, Kuttippuram, Changanassery and Palakkad. These events witnessed participation from local public representatives, railway officials, passengers and members of the public.  The function at Ernakulam was live-streamed to all local function venues, enabling participants and the general public across the locations to witness the inauguration and flag-off events.

Kerala’s 3 redeveloped railway stations inaugurated

During the programme, the Prime Minister inaugurated three redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, namely, Shoranur Junction railway station, Kuttippuram railway station and Changanassery railway station. Developed at a total cost of about ₹52 crore, these stations have been upgraded with modern passenger amenities, improved circulating areas and enhanced accessibility while incorporating local architectural and cultural elements.

Key features of the redeveloped stations include upgraded station buildings, improved waiting areas, enhanced platform shelters, improved lighting, passenger information systems, lifts and escalators, and free Wi-Fi facilities. The redevelopment is part of the nationwide transformation of railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

At the local ceremonial function held at Shoranur Jn Shri Shreekandan, Hon’ble Member of Parliament and Shri P. Mammikutty, Hon’ble MLA participated.

At Kuttipuram, Shri Abid Hussain Thangal, Hon’ble MLA graced the occasion.

At Palakkad Junction, the inaugural function was held in the presence of Shri Rahul Mankoottathil, MLA, along with Divisional Railway Manager/Palakkad Shri Madhukar Roat.

Electrification of Shoranur – Nilambur Railway line dedicated to the Nation

The Hon’ble Prime Minister also dedicated to the Nation the Shoranur–Nilambur Railway Line Electrification Project (65 km), executed at a cost of about ₹90 crore. Electrification of this section will enable faster and more efficient train operations by eliminating the need for locomotive change at Shoranur and will contribute to environmentally sustainable rail transport by reducing carbon emissions.

Palakkad – Pollachi MEMU service flagged off

On the occasion, the Prime Minister also flagged off the Palakkad – Pollachi MEMU train service, strengthening rail connectivity between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The new service will benefit daily commuters, traders, pilgrims and tourists travelling between the two states by providing a convenient and affordable mode of transportation. The inaugural special train, Train No. 06623 Palakkad – Pollachi MEMU, departed from Palakkad Junction railway station covering intermediate stations including Palakkad Town, Pudunagaram, Kollengode, Muthalamada, Meentachipuram and Anaimalai Road before reaching Pollachi, its destination.

The newly inaugurated railway infrastructure and services will significantly enhance passenger convenience, strengthen inter-state connectivity between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and support the region’s economic growth through improved mobility and sustainable transport solutions.

Source/SR