Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off four trains, including three new Amrit Bharat Express services, during his visit to Thiruvananthapuram. He also addressed a BJP public meeting at Putharikandam Maidan, formally welcoming Kitex-backed Twenty20 into the NDA fold and marking the party’s campaign push in Kerala ahead of the Assembly elections. This was Modi’s first visit to the state after the BJP’s victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections.

Following a roadshow, the Prime Minister attended the BJP-organised public meeting at Putharikandam Maidan, which was attended by party leaders, elected representatives and workers.

New trains flagged off
Modi flagged off four trains: the Thiruvananthapuram–Tambaram, Thiruvananthapuram–Hyderabad (Cherlapalli) and Nagercoil–Mangaluru Amrit Bharat Express services, along with the Guruvayur–Thrissur passenger train. Speaking after launching the projects and flagging off the trains, Modi said the day marks a new momentum in the development of Kerala, driven by the efforts of the central government. He said that rail connectivity has been further strengthened and the launched projects will help to transform Thiruvananthapuram into a major hub in the country.

While the main event took place at Putharikandam Maidan, parallel ceremonies were held at Thiruvananthapuram Central station, Thiruvananthapuram North and Thrissur. Union minister V Somanna attended the function at Thiruvananthapuram Central, while Union minister Suresh Gopi was the chief guest at the Thrissur event.

The Tambaram and Mangaluru Amrit Bharat trains began their inaugural services from Thiruvananthapuram Central, while the Thiruvananthapuram–Cherlapalli service was flagged off from Thiruvananthapuram North. Each train has 11 general coaches and eight sleeper coaches, with a total passenger capacity of 1,740.

Projects inaugurated
During the visit, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub and the Radiosurgery Centre at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, along with other infrastructure projects worth ₹250 crore.

He additionally inaugurated the new Poojappura Head Post Office in Thiruvananthapuram and launched loans and credit cards for one lakh beneficiaries under the PM Svanidhi scheme.

Traffic restrictions
In connection with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, traffic restrictions will be in force in Thiruvananthapuram city from 7 am to 2 pm.

Parking restrictions (both sides of the road):

• Domestic Airport – Shanghumugham – All Saints – Chacka – Pettah – Pallimukku – Pattur – General Hospital – Aasan Square – Martyrs’ Column – VJT Hall – Main Gate – Statue – Pulimoodu – Ayurveda College – Overbridge – Mel Pazhavangadi – Power House Junction – Choorakattu Palayam
• Shanghumugham – Domestic Airport – Valiyathura – Ponnara Palam – Kallumoodu – Ananthapuri Hospital – Enchakkal – Mitranandapuram – SP Fort – Sreekandeswaram Park – Thakaraparambu Flyover – Power House Junction
• Chacka – Ananthapuri Hospital road

Traffic diversions:

• Traffic will be diverted between 10 am and 11 am, and again from 12 noon to 1 pm
• Vehicles from the Domestic Airport towards Shanghumugham should proceed via Valiyathura – Ponnara Palam – Kallumoodu
• Vehicles from Vettucaud and Veli heading towards All Saints should use Madhavapuram – Venpalavattom
• Vehicles from Kazhakkoottam towards the city via Chacka should take Venpalavattom – Kumarapuram – Pattom – Kowdiar
• Vehicles from PMG towards Palayam should go via LMS – Public Library – Panchapura
• Vehicles from Vellayambalam towards Palayam should use Vazhuthacaud – Women’s College – Thycaud
• Vehicles from Thampanoor towards East Fort via the Overbridge should proceed through Choorakattu Palayam – Killippalam – Attakulangara
• Vehicles from Attakulangara towards East Fort should use Killippalam or Enchakkal routes

KSRTC services:

• KSRTC buses departing from East Fort will operate from Attakulangara
• Parking for public meeting attendees at Putharikandam Maidan:
• Large vehicles should be parked at Attukal Parking Ground, Homeo College Parking Ground, Chala School Ground, Poojappura Ground and Kowdiar Salvation Army School Ground
• Small vehicles should be parked at Fort School Ground, Manjalikulam Ground, Attakulangara Government Central School Ground, Vellayambalam Water Authority Ground and Fort High School Ground

Travel advisory:

• Passengers heading to the airport or railway station are advised to plan journeys in advance
• Domestic Airport passengers should use Venpalavattom – Chacka Flyover – Enchakkal – Kallumoodu – Ponnara Palam – Valiyathura
• International Terminal passengers should proceed via Venpalavattom – Chacka Flyover – Enchakkal – Kallumoodu – Ananthapuri Hospital service road

Traffic control helplines: 0471 2558731, 9497930055