On May 2, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood on the soil of Amravati, a city once envisioned as the modern capital of Andhra Pradesh, and launched a new chapter in its long-stalled journey. With ₹58,000 crore worth of projects announced and political synergy restored between the Centre and State, the long-promised transformation of Amravati is finally underway.
For many in Andhra Pradesh, this moment is not just about infrastructure—it is about correcting a historic pause and restoring a dream.
Restarting the Capital Journey
Amravati’s origin story is closely tied to the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, which left the newly-formed state without a capital. With then-Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu spearheading the project, Amravati was chosen as the greenfield capital to embody innovation, sustainability, and modern governance.
Though a grand foundation was laid in 2015, political changes in 2019 brought the project to a standstill, with an alternative three-capital proposal triggering protests, legal battles, and disillusionment.
Now, with PM Modi and CM Naidu once again aligned, the city’s transformation has resumed—this time with greater urgency and accountability.
Major Announcements and Project Highlights
PM Modi unveiled or initiated key components of Amravati’s master plan, including:
- Andhra Pradesh Legislative Complex: A modern assembly and administrative hub.
- Judicial City: High Court facilities and legal institutions in a dedicated zone.
- Metro Rail Project: A 30-kilometer stretch connecting Vijayawada to core areas in Amravati.
- Amravati Education Cluster: Institutions of higher learning, R&D centers, and skill hubs.
- Health and Wellness City: Multi-specialty hospitals, biotech parks, and public health infrastructure.
- Green Infrastructure: Parks, tree-lined roads, and solar-powered streetlights across 25 sq km.
The execution strategy emphasizes a phased approach to prevent over-extension and ensure steady progress.
Political Unity Driving Progress
What makes this phase of Amravati’s development different from the past is the clear political alignment between the State and the Centre. Prime Minister Modi praised Naidu’s original vision and committed central support in line with the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
“Today we are not starting from scratch, but picking up a dream that never should have been left behind,” Modi told a large gathering. “This city will become a beacon of new India—modern, efficient, and just.”
CM Naidu echoed this sentiment. “With the Centre’s support, we now have the momentum we lacked. We will make Amravati a proud capital worthy of the Telugu people.”
Public Optimism, But Cautious
In the CRDA villages, where land was pooled for the capital’s development, residents are cautiously optimistic. “There’s activity again. We see cranes, engineers, and roads being repaired. This is the first time in years we believe it might actually happen,” said Narayana Rao, a farmer from Thullur.
Though hopeful, many residents and local leaders emphasized the need for sustained implementation. “We’ve seen groundbreaking ceremonies before. Now we want to see buildings rise, jobs created, and schools and hospitals built,” said Swapna Reddy, a schoolteacher in Amaravathi village.
Investor and Infrastructure Momentum
The renewed focus has also reactivated interest from investors. Real estate developers, logistics firms, and infrastructure companies have started returning to the region. The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) has received multiple inquiries about IT parks and warehousing zones.
Talks are ongoing with international partners from Singapore, Japan, and the UAE, particularly around smart city solutions, sustainable water management, and public transport planning.
Sustainability Built In
The revised Amravati master plan places sustainability at its core:
- 30% Green Cover: Mandated across residential and institutional zones.
- Net-Zero Buildings: All new government offices to follow net-zero energy use norms.
- Electric Public Transit: Metro and bus fleets will be powered by renewable sources.
- Water Management: Rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling will be integrated into every major facility.
Environmental impact studies are being conducted in tandem with every construction phase to avoid the legal and civic backlash of earlier years.
Legal Clarity and Transparency
To prevent land disputes and litigation delays, the government has launched a Land Ownership Verification Portal, allowing landowners and stakeholders to view updated status reports and compensation packages online.
Legal benches have also been set up within the capital region to fast-track cases related to land pooling, compensation, and urban planning permissions.
Digital Governance and Smart Infrastructure
Amravati is set to be India’s first capital city with a fully integrated smart governance layer:
- AI-Powered Urban Monitoring
- Citizen Dashboards for Service Requests
- Real-Time Construction Status Updates
- Drone-Based Infrastructure Audits
These features are designed not only to boost efficiency but also to provide residents with a transparent view of where taxpayer money is going.
A Long-Term Vision Finally Back on Track
If the next 24 months proceed as planned, Amravati will have functional administrative buildings, judicial facilities, basic metro services, and at least five operational higher education institutions by early 2027.
This time, however, leaders are stressing steady, measurable growth over high-flying rhetoric. “We want Amravati to grow organically and sustainably,” Naidu told reporters. “We are not chasing glitz—we are building governance.”
Conclusion: From Dream Deferred to Destiny Delivered
PM Modi’s visit was more than a ceremonial return to a city in waiting—it was a powerful signal of renewal. The promise of Amravati, long paused due to political flux, now appears to be steadily moving toward fulfillment.
With commitment from both the State and Centre, citizen support, and transparent planning, Amravati may yet become the capital it was always meant to be—a functional, futuristic hub at the heart of Andhra Pradesh’s resurgence.
