Andhra Pradesh, preparations are underway for a high-profile relaunch of Amaravati’s capital city development.
With an estimated investment outlay of ₹65,000 crore, the ambitious plan is expected to be flagged off by the Prime Minister on 2 May, symbolising a renewed commitment to realise Amaravati as a modern, sustainable administrative centre. The state government is planning a large-scale public gathering near Velagapudi in the Capital Region, expected to attract nearly five lakh attendees, as it revives the long-stalled capital works. A vacant 40-acre parcel of land is currently being prepared to host the event, strategically located behind the State Secretariat. Officials confirmed that Letters of Award are being handed over to lowest bidders for several key tenders, marking the beginning of phased construction works, primarily under the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA).
The CRDA has finalised contracts worth approximately ₹37,000 crore for the first phase of development, targeting core infrastructure that would operationalise the administrative zone within three years. The vision, as laid out by senior state functionaries, hinges on efficient, climate-resilient urban design and seamless transport integration, with an emphasis on green mobility and inclusive public spaces. Among the marquee projects to begin shortly are the Legislative Assembly and High Court complexes, both awarded to leading national infrastructure firms. The Assembly building is set to come up at an estimated cost of ₹617.33 crore, while the High Court complex is being developed for ₹786 crore. These projects represent critical milestones in restoring confidence in the Amaravati project, which had faced a prolonged hiatus due to policy shifts and funding delays in recent years.
Senior officials overseeing the capital works indicated that Amaravati’s revised blueprint incorporates sustainable design principles, such as walkable layouts, energy-efficient buildings, and smart public transport corridors. Plans include integrating electric mobility solutions, renewable energy-powered facilities, and robust water management systems to reduce the capital’s carbon footprint. Parallel to the urban infrastructure push, the CRDA is reportedly revisiting its earlier land use plans and has initiated studies for acquiring an additional 30,000 acres. The extended land parcel will support long-term growth needs including an international airport, Inner and Outer Ring Roads, and multimodal transport nodes. Experts confirmed that these investments are crucial to ensuring that Amaravati evolves as a future-ready city that not only meets administrative needs but also becomes a liveable, economically vibrant, and environmentally sustainable urban centre.
The proposed international airport is expected to transform regional connectivity and bring Amaravati closer to other major metros like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Preliminary consultations have also begun to explore a high-speed rail corridor linking the capital with key southern urban hubs, a proposal that could substantially reduce travel time and carbon emissions. In a bid to secure financial support for the capital works, the Andhra Pradesh Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with HUDCO for a loan of ₹11,000 crore. Furthermore, development finance institutions like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank have committed up to ₹15,000 crore in funding support. The Centre has also released its share of ₹4,285 crore recently, which officials stated will be instrumental in kickstarting early-stage construction activities.
A dedicated cabinet sub-committee has been appointed to monitor the planning and execution of both the launch event and the capital development programme. Regular site inspections and progress reviews are being conducted to ensure transparency and timely implementation, according to government sources. The renewed focus on Amaravati comes at a crucial time, as Indian cities face mounting challenges of urban congestion, housing shortages, and climate vulnerabilities. Analysts believe that Amaravati’s successful reboot could serve as a template for other greenfield smart cities in the country, combining technological innovation with equity-driven planning.
Urban planning experts have cautioned, however, that execution timelines must be strictly adhered to, and adequate public engagement should be ensured to avoid past pitfalls. Concerns remain over potential displacement, land acquisition processes, and long-term environmental impacts. Yet, many remain optimistic that the state’s recalibrated approach will allow Amaravati to overcome earlier setbacks and re-emerge as a model for planned urban development. As the date for the relaunch nears, all eyes are on the Andhra capital to see whether it can deliver on its promise of becoming not just a political centre, but a symbol of inclusive, sustainable, and resilient urbanisation for India’s future.
Also Read: https://urbanacres.in/csr-funds-boost-university-infrastructure/
