25 Years of Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi’s Journey of Public Service

Special article by Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, 7 October 2026: Twenty-five years ago, on October 7, 2001, Shri Narendra Modi became the Chief Minister of Gujarat. At that time, Gujarat was recovering from the devastating earthquake, and the key challenge was to rebuild people’s confidence. Shri Narendra Modi took up this challenge and began working towards building a new Gujarat. Under his leadership, development was expanded across key sectors including roads, electricity, water, education, agriculture and industry. Policies and administrative systems were reviewed to explore new opportunities for development. By keeping the needs of the people at the centre of development, he gave a broader meaning to the state’s development journey.

From Shala Praveshotsav to Gunotsav, Krushi Mahotsav to Pashu Arogya Mela, and Khel Mahakumbh to Vibrant Gujarat, development was brought closer to people through greater public participation. Technology was used to strengthen good governance. Initiatives like ‘SWAGAT’ were introduced to help citizens raise their grievances directly with the government and receive timely responses. Vibrant Gujarat was developed as a platform to promote Gujarat globally as a destination for investment and industry. Shri Narendra Modi’s 13-year tenure as Chief Minister from 2001 to 2014 marked a period of major transformation. His governance model, based on the Panchamrit vision of Jan Shakti, Jal Shakti, Gyan Shakti, Urja Shakti and Raksha Shakti, became an important foundation of Gujarat’s development.

The Gujarat development model received national recognition in 2014 when Shri Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India. He took the experience, initiatives and development vision gained during his 13 years as Chief Minister of Gujarat to the national level. The impact of people-centric initiatives started in Gujarat was also reflected in national schemes. Major initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Khelo India, Swachh Bharat and Nal Se Jal brought healthcare, sanitation, water and sports to the centre of the national development agenda. The same approach of making the government and people partners in the development journey, which was promoted in Gujarat, was expanded at the national level.

For Shri Narendra Modi, nation-building has become a continuous commitment. He is consistently working to strengthen India’s global identity. By taking the development journey that began in Gujarat to the national level, Shri Narendra Modi has sought to ensure that Gujarat remains not only a partner in development but also an important part of India’s broader development journey.

In 2026, Shri Narendra Modi completed 12 years as the Prime Minister of India. Since 2014, with a focus on development-oriented governance, India has witnessed significant progress in the economy, infrastructure, defence, trade, aviation, railways, ports and digital infrastructure. During this journey, Aatmanirbhar Bharat has emerged as a key national resolve. In the changing global environment, efforts have been made to strengthen India’s role as an active participant in global development and transformation. Initiatives such as Vaccine Maitri, the International Solar Alliance and Operation Sindoor have reflected India’s growing global role and strategic capabilities.

Shri Narendra Modi’s journey of public service has continued for 25 years, including 13 years as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and 12 years as the Prime Minister of India. The journey that began in Gujarat 25 years ago has expanded into a broader commitment to nation-building. The development journey that started in Gujarat is now moving forward with the resolve of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’. His 25-year journey reflects a continued commitment to service, good governance, resolve and nation-building.

Major Gifts to Gujarat During the 25-Year Development Journey

• Ahmedabad–Dholera Semi-High-Speed Rail: Approval granted for India’s first semi-high-speed rail project, a ₹20,667 crore double-line railway corridor from Sarkhej in Ahmedabad to Dholera.
• Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway: Approval granted for the ₹5,800 crore greenfield Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway project.
• GIFT City Tax Benefits: The Union Budget 2026–27 announced a 20-year tax holiday for eligible institutions in GIFT City.
• ₹35,200-Crore Development Projects: In September 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated development projects worth more than ₹35,200 crore to Gujarat.
• Maruti Suzuki EV Manufacturing: Maruti Suzuki launched its first e-Vitara and inaugurated its battery manufacturing plant at Hansalpur.
• Khavda Renewable Energy Park: Three projects developed at a cost of ₹3,645 crore were inaugurated at the world’s largest hybrid renewable energy park being developed at Khavda in Kutch.
• Commonwealth Games 2030: Gujarat will host the Commonwealth Games 2030.
• Semiconductor Manufacturing: Six semiconductor projects have been approved in Gujarat under the India Semiconductor Mission.
• National Forensic Sciences University: Gujarat Forensic Sciences University was accorded the status of National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) and an Institution of National Importance (INI) in 2020.
• Rajkot Light House Project: Rajkot was selected under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ Light House Project, under which 1,144 houses were constructed using innovative construction technology.
• IFSCA in GIFT City: India’s first International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA) is operational at GIFT City.
• India International Bullion Exchange: India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) was established at GIFT City.
• Bulk Drug Park: The foundation stone was laid for a Bulk Drug Park in Bharuch.
• PM MITRA Park: The foundation stone was laid for a PM MITRA Mega Textile Park in Navsari.
• CNG Terminal at Bhavnagar: The foundation stone was laid for a CNG terminal port at Bhavnagar, described as the world’s first such terminal.
• Narendra Modi Stadium: Narendra Modi Stadium, described as the world’s largest cricket stadium, was constructed in Ahmedabad.
• Dahod Railway Manufacturing Unit: A ₹20,000-crore railway production unit was inaugurated at Dahod under the Make in India initiative.
• 9,000-HP Locomotive: In May 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the country’s first 9,000-horsepower locomotive engine to the nation.

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