Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh’s Ambitious Capital at a Crossroads

Amaravati stands as both a symbol of Andhra Pradesh’s aspirations and a testament to the complexities inherent in building a new capital from scratch. Its story is one of vision, setbacks, and persistent debate over the best path forward for the state after its bifurcation in 2014.

The Rise of Amaravati

The selection of Amaravati was rooted in its central location between Vijayawada and Guntur, accessibility, cultural significance, and historical roots dating back to the Satavahana dynasty. The ambitious plan called for a greenfield city spanning 217 sq km, with themed urban clusters and a focus on sustainability—such as renewable energy goals and green public transit—aimed at making it a model for future Indian cities.

The project garnered strong political support, especially from then-Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and drew global consultants and investors. The land pooling model involved around 33,000 acres, voluntarily contributed by farmers with the promise of compensation and developed plots.

Setbacks and Controversies

Despite a grand start, Amaravati’s trajectory was far from smooth. A shift in government in 2019 introduced a “three capitals” plan, pausing construction and creating much uncertainty. This period saw Amaravati often labelled a “ghost town,” with stalled infrastructure and protests from farmers whose compensation and development prospects hung in limbo.

Environmentalists and some expert panels have also voiced concerns about the city’s location on fertile, flood-prone Krishna river land, high costs (with estimates exceeding ₹65,000 crore), and fears of over-urbanization. The project’s stop-start evolution has dented public confidence.

The Present Status

In 2024, a change in political leadership revived Amaravati’s development, with the government seeking statutory recognition and resuming construction with renewed investment and central government backing. The state’s Cabinet has moved to officially designate Amaravati in the AP State Reorganisation Act, clarifying its future as Andhra’s sole capital. There’s fresh emphasis on making Amaravati a world leader in renewable energy and smart city planning, aiming for international benchmarks.

Other Possibilities for the Capital

The journey has sparked debate over alternate capital locations:

• Visakhapatnam: With robust infrastructure and port connectivity, this coastal city is often cited as a practical administrative choice if Amaravati falters. It’s already Andhra’s economic hub, with many offices and industries located there.

• Kurnool: Considered for a judicial capital, its central position and historical relevance make it a candidate in any decentralised model.

• Decentralised Model: The “three capitals” approach—administrative (Visakhapatnam), legislative (Amaravati), judicial (Kurnool)—remains an alternative, aiming for regional balance and distributed development. This approach is still part of the broader political discourse in the state.

A Delicate Balance

The future of Amaravati remains a test of vision versus pragmatism. While it offers the promise of a globally competitive, sustainable city, the reality of environmental challenges, farmer grievances, funding requirements, and shifting political winds requires a cautious and inclusive approach. The ongoing debate over Amaravati versus other options like Visakhapatnam signals that Andhra Pradesh’s quest for a settled, flourishing capital—and the right blueprint for its future—remains very much a work in progress