PM Modi arrives in Kerala capital, holds roadshow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kerala on Friday (January 23, 2026) morning to launch developmental projects in Thiruvananthapuram and flag off four new train services. This is the Prime Minister’s first visit to the State capital after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) captured power in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation in the local body elections held recently.

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, District Collector Anu Kumari, BJP State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and other officials received Mr. Modi who arrived at the technical area of the Thiruvananthapuram airport around 10.30 a.m. Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh was not present at the airport as his name was not included in the list of personnel approved by the Prime Minister’s Office. Mr. Rajesh will, however, take part in the Prime Minister’s public event at Putharikkandam Maithanam.

Mr. Modi later proceeded to the Overbridge Junction to take part in a roadshow organised by the BJP. The roadshow covered the short stretch from Overbridge to the Putharikkandam Maithanam.

BJP workers, who had arrived from various parts of the State, greeted Mr. Modi with slogans as the Prime Minister’s convoy passed by. Mr. Modi stood at the door of his vehicle and waved at the workers who had gathered in large numbers, carrying party flags and posters. 

Electoral significance of visit

Indicating the electoral significance of the visit ahead of the Assembly elections, Mr. Modi post on X a few minutes before his arrival – “Looking forward to addressing a BJP-NDA public meeting in Thiruvananthapuram today. This city scripted history by blessing us in the recently concluded corporation elections. It’s clear Kerala is looking to break free from the fixed match of LDF and UDF.”

The Prime Minister will flag off four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger train, at the Putharikandam Maithanam. He will lay the foundation stone for the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub here.