 Under the dynamic and visionary leadership of our Prime Minister, Srinarendra Modi ji, India's growth journey in last 9 years is unprecedented. India has been witnessing phenomenal development in infrastructure landscape of the country. Kerala has been pivotal to this growth journey. Many infrastructure projects have been completed in last 9 years or are in advanced stages of completion. Government of India is resolute to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Kerala and strong railway infrastructure in the state is central to these efforts. The rate of doubling electrification and laying of new tracks has shown big improvement. All this is also leading to increase in job creation. When we construct roads and bridges, we do not only connect towns and villages, we also connect aspirations with achievements, optimism with opportunities and hope with happiness. Today, the honorable Prime Minister Srinarendra Modi ji flagged off the prestigious Vande Bharat Express from Tiruvananthapuram central to Kasargod station. Under Makin'India initiative, this indigenously built semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express will connect state's capital with Kasargod, a historical city of Kerala. It will cover the distance of 586 km in 8 hours. It will provide ultra-modern amenities for a world-class travel experience with 360-degree rotating and comfortable chairs, automatic doors, touch-free services and modern safety features. Today, the honorable Prime Minister Srinarendra Modi ji is dedicating to the nation and laying foundation stone for several important railway projects worth over Rs. 1,900 crores. Dedication to the nation of electrification of Palakkad-Dindigul-Palani section is a significant step towards realizing Indian Railways' mission of 100% electrification by end of this year. Electrification will help in introduction of new Memu services. It will also provide better connectivity to pilgrims visiting Palani Temple in Tamil Nadu and Temples of Kolangod and Pudunagaram in Kerala and tourists visiting Mango City of Kerala, Mudalamada and Kolangod Palace. Today, the foundation stones are being laid for comprehensive development of railway infrastructure. In Tiruvananthapuram area, including Neymam and Cocho Valley stations will improve operational capacity and augment running of more trains between Tiruvananthapuram region and North Kerala. Increasing the sectional speed on Tiruvananthapuram-Shoranur section will result in faster connectivity and reduced transit time for passengers. Redevelopment of Tiruvananthapuram, Varkala, Sivagirir and Goikode railway stations are aimed at catering to passenger requirement for the next 40 years. These stations will be aesthetically designed with world-class amenities like intermodal connectivity, platforms connected by escalators, lifts, stairways, skybox, spacious concourse, waiting halls and divyang friendly modern amenities. Giving a major thrust to the Prime Minister's vision of Atmanir Bhar Bharat, these initiatives will enhance connectivity, boost tourism, agriculture, industrial and service sectors and help generate new employment opportunities thereby contributing towards socio-economic progress in Kerala.