India, Jan. 23 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and launched a series of major infrastructure, transport, social welfare and scientific initiatives in Kerala, marking a significant development push for the state and the southern region.

The programme was held at Puthirikandom Maidan in Thiruvananthapuram and was attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister of State George Kurian, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor and other dignitaries.

Boosting rail connectivity, the Prime Minister flagged off four new train services-three Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger train. These include the Nagercoil-Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram and Thiruvananthapura...