Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the state capital on Friday, January 23. During his visit, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will unveil a comprehensive urban development plan addressing all major sectors of Thiruvananthapuram.

Party leaders said the plan will span projects ranging from the Thiruvananthapuram Metro to infrastructure linked to the Vizhinjam international seaport, positioning the capital for long-term urban growth.

Focus on water resources and waste management

On the lines of the Ganga rejuvenation project, rivers including the Karamana, Killiyar and Thettiyar will be cleaned and protected. A city-wide waste management system is also proposed, combining centralised and decentralised processing plants. Solid waste treatment has been earmarked under Phase II of the Smart City project.

The BJP said development will be driven through coordination with various central government schemes. Recently, the mayor told councillors that funds from the Union minority and fisheries ministries could be used to build stadiums in Poonthura and Harbour wards. George Kurien represents Kerala in these departments.

Key proposals also include the Balaramapuram underground pass linked to the Vizhinjam port project, coastal development, IT expansion in Kazhakoottam, and the promotion of spiritual and medical tourism. Most initiatives are expected to be implemented jointly by the Centre, the state government and the city corporation.

The BJP has pledged to make Thiruvananthapuram one of the country’s top three cities by 2030.

PM Modi to lay foundation stone for the Entrepreneurship Hub

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Hub at Bio-360 Life Sciences Park, Thonnakkal Life Science Park. The ceremony will be held at Putharikandam Maidan on Friday.

The project, managed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, is designed as a national hub for deep-tech innovation, technology transfer and entrepreneurship in the life sciences sector.

It is expected to significantly boost research and innovation in the capital. The centre of excellence in Ayurvedic research will also focus on spice incubation, coir and rubber technologies, sustainable packaging, biomanufacturing and green hydrogen.