As the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu has taken office once again, marking his fourth term. Alongside him, Pawan Kalyan has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister. With the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) back in power, Naidu’s ambitious Amravati project is set to regain momentum. This project had stalled following Naidu’s defeat in the 2019 Assembly elections when Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy became the Chief Minister. However, with the TDP’s return, the development of Amravati can once again move forward.
The Vision of Amravati
In 2014, following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and the formation of Telangana, Hyderabad became the capital of the newly formed state. Chandrababu Naidu, who came to power after the 2014 Assembly elections, initiated the project to make Amravati the new capital of Andhra Pradesh. However, the project halted in 2019 after the YSR Congress, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, won the elections.
Development Progress
Amravati, spanning 217 square kilometers, saw its initial development phase begin in 2015 during the previous TDP government. Infrastructure for legislators, MSCs, officials, and secretariat employees was constructed. Although the change in government halted further development, significant milestones were achieved, including the inauguration of the High Court building and the construction of the Secretariat and Assembly complexes.
The Dream City Concept
Located in Guntur district along the Krishna River, Amravati is envisioned as a green and blue city. The plan includes extensive tree planting and the creation of ponds and lakes to enhance the city’s greenery. Amravati will be divided into nine hubs: Government City, Justice City, Finance City, Knowledge City, Electronics and IT City, Health City, Sports City, Media City, and Tourism City.
Tourism City Highlights
Tourism City will be situated near the Krishna Riverfront and will feature attractions such as the Undavalli Caves, Kondapalli Fort, Kanaka Durga Temple, Amravati Temple, a statue of Lord Buddha, and the Neelakonda Hills. Adjacent to the Tourism City will be the Sports City, Government City, and Finance City. Plans also include an airport and a metro train network to facilitate transportation.
Knowledge City and Electronics City
The project aims to develop Knowledge City as an education hub, featuring institutions from primary schools to universities, technical colleges, and medical schools. Electronics City is intended to become India’s largest IT hub, fostering innovation and technological advancements.
Project Investment
During Naidu’s previous tenure, the project saw an investment of INR 10,500 crores. A total of 33,000 acres of land has been acquired from farmers, and the government holds an additional 4,000 acres. According to a 2016 master plan, the estimated cost of the Amravati project is INR 50,000 crores.
Conclusion
The Amravati project, with its ambitious vision and extensive planning, stands as a testament to Chandrababu Naidu’s commitment to developing Andhra Pradesh. With the TDP back in power, this dream city is poised to become a reality, transforming the landscape and future of the region. As development resumes, Amravati promises to be a hub of innovation, education, and growth, symbolizing progress and prosperity for Andhra Pradesh.
