Gandhinagar: Twenty-five years ago, on October 7, 2001, Narendra Modi became the Chief Minister of Gujarat. The state was then recovering from the devastating earthquake and faced the immediate challenge of rebuilding infrastructure as well as public confidence.
What followed was a development and governance journey that placed roads, electricity, water, education, agriculture and industry at the centre of Gujarat’s transformation. Twenty-five years later, that journey has expanded to the national level, with the vision of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
From Rebuilding Gujarat to a People-Centric Development Model
During his 13-year tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister from 2001 to 2014, Modi’s administration focused on reviewing policies and administrative systems while expanding development across key sectors.
Several initiatives attempted to bring government programmes closer to citizens. Shala Praveshotsav and Gunotsav focused on education, while Krushi Mahotsav and Pashu Arogya Mela brought attention to agriculture and animal healthcare. Khel Mahakumbh expanded public participation in sports, while Vibrant Gujarat developed into a platform to position the state as an investment and industrial destination.
Technology also became an important part of governance. The SWAGAT grievance-redressal initiative allowed citizens to place their concerns before the government and seek responses. The initiative later became part of the wider governance experience associated with Modi’s Gujarat tenure.
The governance approach was also linked to the Panchamrit vision of Jan Shakti, Jal Shakti, Gyan Shakti, Urja Shakti and Raksha Shakti, placing people, resources, knowledge, energy and security within a broader development framework.
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Gujarat Experience Moves to the National Stage
When Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, the Gujarat experience became part of a larger national development agenda. The approach of combining government programmes with public participation was reflected in several major national initiatives.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Swachh Bharat, Nal Se Jal and Khelo India brought healthcare, sanitation, drinking water and sports into the national development framework.
The Union Cabinet’s October 6, 2026 resolution marking Modi’s 25 years as head of government also highlighted the link between Gujarat and national governance. It specifically noted how the experience of SWAGAT informed the later PRAGATI platform, while Gujarat’s Jyotigram experience influenced approaches to electricity access.
This Gujarat-to-India transition has also extended into technology, infrastructure, manufacturing and self-reliance.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat and India’s Expanding Capabilities
Modi completed 12 years as Prime Minister in 2026, taking his combined tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and Prime Minister to 25 years.
Since 2014, the national development agenda has expanded across the economy, infrastructure, defence, trade, aviation, railways, ports and digital infrastructure. Aatmanirbhar Bharat has emerged as a major theme, with greater emphasis on domestic manufacturing, technology and strategic capabilities.
The government’s October 2026 resolution highlighted the growth of public capital expenditure, highways, railway electrification, electronics production, defence manufacturing and semiconductors as part of this broader self-reliance push.
India’s growing international role has also been reflected in initiatives such as Vaccine Maitri, the International Solar Alliance and Operation Sindoor, alongside a wider effort to strengthen India’s position in global development and strategic affairs.
Gujarat Continues to Receive Major Development Projects
The 25-year journey has also been accompanied by major infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, financial and energy projects in Gujarat.
Among the key projects and developments highlighted during this period are:
- ₹20,667-crore Ahmedabad-Dholera rail project approved to improve connectivity to Dholera, Dholera Airport and Lothal.
- ₹5,800-crore Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway, covering 109 km, approved.
- 20-year tax holiday for institutions in GIFT City announced in Union Budget 2026-27.
- Development projects worth over ₹35,200 crore dedicated to Gujarat in September 2026.
- Suzuki e-VITARA launched from Hansalpur, with local hybrid battery electrode production. Made-in-India EVs are exported to over 100 countries.
- Three projects worth ₹3,645 crore inaugurated at the Khavda Renewable Energy Park.
- Ahmedabad will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
- Six semiconductor projects approved in Gujarat under the India Semiconductor Mission.
- Gujarat Forensic Sciences University became National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) and an Institution of National Importance in 2020.
- 1,144 houses built in Rajkot under the Light House Project using modern technology.
- IFSCA became operational in GIFT City.
- India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) established in GIFT City.
- Foundation stone laid for a Bulk Drug Park in Bharuch to boost pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- PM MITRA Park approved at Navsari among seven mega textile parks under the national scheme.
- Foundation stone laid for the world’s first CNG terminal at Bhavnagar Port.
- Narendra Modi Stadium constructed in Ahmedabad as a major international cricket venue.
₹20,000-crore Dahod railway facility developed to manufacture 9,000-horsepower electric freight locomotives under Make in India.
In May 2025, the Dahod facility was dedicated to the nation, with plans to produce 1,200 9,000-HP electric locomotives.
The Next Destination: Viksit Bharat @2047
The significance of the 25-year journey lies not only in the number of projects but also in the transition from a state-focused development model to a national vision.
Gujarat remains an important part of that journey, with investments and projects spanning semiconductors, renewable energy, electric vehicles, railways, pharmaceuticals, textiles, financial services and industrial infrastructure.
The next stated milestone is Viksit Bharat @2047. The vision seeks to build on India’s economic strength, technological capabilities, infrastructure and global role while advancing the goal of a more self-reliant country.
From Gujarat’s post-earthquake reconstruction in 2001 to India’s development and self-reliance agenda in 2026, Narendra Modi’s 25-year public service journey has moved through different phases of governance. Its continuing focus remains development, public participation, technology, infrastructure and nation-building, with Gujarat continuing to play a significant role in the larger national development story.
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