Amaravati#History

Amaravati literally translates to "the abode of immortals". The name holds deep historical, spiritual and mythological significance. The name is also used for a region near Dharanikota, which served as the ancient capital of the Satavahana dynasty, also known as the Andhras. In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, Amaravati is the celestial capital of Svarga (heaven), where the Devas (gods) reside.{{Cite book |last=Dalal |first=Roshen |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=zrk0AwAAQBAJ&q=Indraloka&redir_esc=y#v=snippet&q=Indraloka&f=false |title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide |date=2014-04-18 |publisher=Penguin UK |isbn=978-81-8475-277-9 |language=en}}

The neighbouring Dharanikota (Dhānyakatakam) was the capital city of the Satavahana dynasty. Its history dates back to the second century BCE.{{citation |last=Kosambi|first=Damodar Dharmanand|title=Introduction to the study of India history|publisher=Popular Prakashan |location=Mumbai|year=1956|edition=second 1975|pages=243, 244|chapter=Satavahana Origins|isbn=978-81-7154-038-9}} The Satavahanas are prominent in the history of Andhra Pradesh. Their primary language was Prakrit written using the Brahmi script, which served as the base for of Telugu script. The practice of Buddhism was predominant during their period and the dynasty was partly responsible for the prevalence of the faith in the region. The city was also once a holy site of Mahayana Buddhism. The city used to have a large Buddhist Stupa, now known as Amaravati Stupa. It was also the centre of Buddhist learning and art with several Buddhist followers from many South East Asian countries visiting.  

The Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Vishnukundina, Pallavas, Cholas, Kakatiyas, Delhi Sultanate, Musunuri Nayaks, Bahmani Sultanate, Vijayanagara Empire, Sultanate of Golconda and the Mughal Empire successively ruled this area before the founding of the Nizamate of Hyderabad in 1724. It was ceded to France in 1750, but was captured by the East India Company in 1759. It was returned to the Nizam in 1768, but was ceded to Britain again in 1788.{{cite web|title=History of Andhra Pradesh |url=http://www.aponline.gov.in/quick%20links/hist-cult/history.html |work=AP Online|publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh|access-date=22 July 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716182646/http://www.aponline.gov.in/quick%20links/hist-cult/history.html|archive-date=16 July 2012|df=dmy-all}}{{cite book|title=Ancient and medieval history of Andhra Pradesh|year=1993|url=https://archive.org/details/ancientmedievalh0000ragh|url-access=registration|author=P. Raghunadha Rao|publisher=Sterling Publishers, 1993|page=iv|access-date=9 June 2014}}{{Sfn|APCRDA|2017}} As part of the Madras Presidency, it was ruled by Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu, the hereditary zamindar of Chintalapally, who founded modern Amaravathi village, near the ruins of the ancient stupa.{{Cite book|author=Potturi Venkateswara Rao|title=Amaravati Prabhuvu Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu|publisher=Emesco Books|year=2016}}

As per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, Hyderabad became the capital of the newly formed state of Telangana, post bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.{{cite web|title=The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014|url=http://reorganisation.ap.gov.in/downloads/A.P.RegulationAct2014.pdf|website=AP Reorganisation Portal|publisher=The Gazette of India Extraordinary|access-date=9 February 2015|location=New Delhi|date=1 March 2014|archive-date=4 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904172543/http://reorganisation.ap.gov.in/downloads/A.P.RegulationAct2014.pdf|url-status=live}} The Central Government formed an expert committee to explore alternatives for the new capital of Andhra Pradesh, in accordance with the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. The committee was tasked with evaluating the suitability of various locations based on data analysis, site visits, and stakeholder consultations.{{Cite news |date=2014-04-04 |title=Govt sets up committee to recommend site for new Andhra Pradesh capital |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/govt-sets-up-committee-to-recommend-site-for-new-andhra-pradesh-capital/articleshow/33236596.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-10-02 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}} Its duties included assessing the availability of land, water, and natural resources while considering environmental sustainability and the potential for urban growth. It evaluated transportation options including rail, road and air connectivity between the new capital and other major cities. The committee consisted of several experts from various national institutes.{{Cite web |last=Network |first=Knn India-Knowledge & News |title=Expert Committee to find new capital of Seemandhra |url=https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/state/expert-committee-to-find-new-capital-of-seemandhra |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=knnindia.co.in}}

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced that the new capital of the state would be located around Vijayawada. This decision followed a consultative process and was approved by the State Cabinet on September 1, 2014. Chief Minister Naidu stated that the state planned a decentralised development approach, with three mega cities and 14 smart cities. The announcement came amid calls from the opposition YSR Congress Party for a debate on the capital's location. Chief Minister Naidu emphasized that the decision reflects public sentiment, with nearly 50% of representations received by the Sivaramakrishnan Committee favoring the Vijayawada-Guntur region. He also highlighted the need for Central Government support for capital development and special status for the state as assured during the passage of the State Reorganisation Bill.{{Cite web |date=2014-09-04 |title=Andhra capital plan: 3 mega cities, 14 smart cities |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/andhra-capital-plan-3-mega-cities-14-smart-cities/article64214845.ece |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=BusinessLine |language=en}}File:Narendra Modi performing the Pooja rituals at the foundation stone laying ceremony of 'Amaravathi'- the new capital of Andhra Pradesh. The Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Shri E.S.L. Narasimhan.jpg

On October 22, 2015, following a cabinet meeting where it was unanimously approved, Chief Minister Naidu announced the selection of Amaravathi, an ancient town located on the banks of the Krishna River, as the site for the new capital city. During the foundation-laying ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Naidu discussed plans for the capital's development, which aimed to focus on creating an energy-efficient city with industrial hubs. The completion date for the master plan’s first phase was set for May 15, 2016, and plans were proposed for a 200-km ring road to connect Amaravati with Vijayawada and Guntur.{{Cite news |date=2015-10-22 |title=Modi lays foundation for Amaravati: As it happened |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/LIVE-Amaravati-new-capital-of-Andhra-Pradesh-foundation-ceremony/article60516133.ece |access-date=2024-10-02 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}

The establishment of Amaravati as the new capital of Andhra Pradesh involved a land pooling initiative crucial for its development. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's administration implemented the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) Act in 2014, which facilitated the creation of a land bank for the new capital.{{Cite web |date=2017-02-01 |title=No capital gains tax for farmers who pooled land for AP capital Amaravati |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/010217/no-capital-gain-tax-for-farmers-who-pooled-land-for-ap-capital-amaravati.html |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=www.deccanchronicle.com |language=en}} The Act allowed for voluntary land pooling, enabling landowners to surrender their land in exchange for developed plots and financial compensation. The government aimed to acquire approximately 53,748 acres of land from 27 villages. Around 33,733 acres were pooled through this scheme.{{Cite web |date=2015-10-24 |title=Andhra Pradesh’ new capital Amaravati: How the 10 lakh acre land pool problem was cracked |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy-andhra-pradesh-new-capital-amaravati-how-the-10-lakh-acre-land-pool-problem-was-cracked-155502/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}} While many farmers participated, some, particularly from Penumaka and Undavalli, expressed concerns about compensation rates. The pooling process aggregated small land parcels, which were then improved and partially returned to the original owners.{{Cite web |date=2017-07-12 |title=Farmer will be the ultimate gainer from AP’s land pooling policy: N Chandrababu Naidu |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/amravati-will-be-in-the-top-five-global-cities-farmer-ultimate-gainer-from-land-pooling-policy-andhra-pradesh-n-chandrababu-naidu/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} The initiative also included annuity payments for ten years, providing financial support to those who surrendered their land.{{Cite news |last=Sharma |first=Shantanu Nandan |date=2017-05-21 |title=How Andhra Pradesh plans to make its new capital Amaravati a world-class city |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/how-andhra-pradesh-plans-to-make-its-new-capital-amaravati-a-world-class-city/articleshow/58767503.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-10-02 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}

The construction of the temporary Andhra Pradesh Secretariat at Velagapudi, 16 km from Vijayawada, was completed on the October 3, 2016 with a budget of ₹230 crores. By October 17, 2016, five of the six planned blocks began operations. The Secretariat, covering 45 acres, is designed in a G-plus-1 style.{{Cite news |date=2016-03-25 |title=Temporary Secretariat racing towards completion |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/Temporary-Secretariat-racing-towards-completion/article14176251.ece |access-date=2024-10-02 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} The first block houses the Chief Minister's Office, while the others accommodate various ministers and the sixth block is intended for the AP Assembly and Legislative Council.{{Cite web |last=PTI |title=AP Secretariat starts functioning from interim facility at Amaravati |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/ap-secretariat-starts-functioning-interim-2089899 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}} The Andhra Pradesh High Court has also moved to a new temporary building in Amaravati, inaugurated by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi. This new court complex includes 16 court halls and a 2.70 lakh square feet office space. Advocates have faced challenges due to a lack of necessary facilities in the new building, including poor broadband and library access. Despite initial difficulties, legal professionals remain optimistic about the future of the new high court and capital city.{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=T. N. M. |date=2019-02-03 |title=Andhra High Court moves to new building in Amaravati inaugurated by CJI |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/andhra-pradesh/andhra-high-court-moves-new-building-amaravati-inaugurated-cji-96143 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}

2019–2024 Amaravati protests

{{main|Amaravati Drone Summit 2024}}

The Amaravati Drone Summit 2024 aimed to position Andhra Pradesh as a hub for drone technology in India. Organized by the Andhra Pradesh Drone Corporation in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Drone Federation of India, the summit was held on October 22–23 at the CK Convention in Mangalagiri, attracting over 6,900 participants, including industry experts, researchers, and students.{{Cite news |last=Srinivas |first=Rajulapudi |date=2024-10-20 |title=Over 4,000 participants register for Amaravati Drone Summit |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/over-4000-participants-register-for-amaravati-drone-summit/article68776191.ece |access-date=2024-10-22 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} The event featured discussions, exhibitions, workshops, and a record-breaking drone show at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada with over 5,500 drones, setting five Guinness World Records.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-22 |title=Amaravati Drone Show Creates 5 Guinness Records; Drone Tech a Game Changer, Says Chandrababu |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!bharat/amaravati-drone-show-creates-5-guinness-records-drone-tech-a-game-changer-says-chandrababu-enn24102207347 |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=ETV Bharat News |language=en}} Focused on fostering innovation, the summit aimed to establish a regulatory framework, attract ₹2,000 crore in investments, generate ₹6,000 crore in revenue, and train over 20,000 youth as drone pilots to create 30,000 jobs.{{Cite web |last=Rajpurohit |first=Amit |title=Over 5,000 Drones To Take Part In Amaravati Drone Summit 2024 |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/over-5-000-drones-to-participate-in-amaravati-drone-summit-2024-6843397 |access-date=2024-10-22 |website=NDTV.com}}

The city is in Guntur district at the heart of the state, on the banks of the Krishna River located at {{convert|10|km||abbr=}} south-west of Vijayawada, {{convert|16|km||abbr=}} north of Guntur, {{convert|45|km||abbr=}} south-east of Tenali.{{cite news|author1=U Sudhakar Reddy|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/141031/nation-current-affairs/article/andhra-pradesh-capital-come-riverfront-guntur-district|title=Andhra Pradesh capital to come up on riverfront in Guntur district|date=31 October 2014|work=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=1 November 2014|location=Hyderabad|archive-date=21 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221085112/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141031/nation-current-affairs/article/andhra-pradesh-capital-come-riverfront-guntur-district|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/explained/why-amaravati-has-been-chosen-as-the-new-andhra-pradesh-capital/|title=Explained: Why Amaravati has been chosen as the new Andhra Pradesh capital|date=21 October 2015|work=The Indian Express|access-date=22 October 2015|archive-date=22 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022102333/http://indianexpress.com/article/explained/why-amaravati-has-been-chosen-as-the-new-andhra-pradesh-capital/|url-status=live}} The city has an area of 217.23 km² and is spread across 25 villages in 3 mandals (Thullur, Mangalagiri and Tadepalli) of Guntur district. The 25 villages in the Capital City area have about 1 lakh population in about 27,000 households. The AP capital region is spread over Guntur, Palnadu, NTR, and Krishna districts and includes Guntur, Vijayawada and Tenali cities several towns and villages. During winter months, the temperature is between 12 °C and 30 °C. During summer, the temperature is between 17 °C to 45 °C. Climate is very humid in summer with humidity rising up to 68%.{{Sfn|APCRDA|2017}}

While English is widely understood, Telugu is spoken by the majority of the population. Hinduism is the majority religion but there are significant Muslim, Christian and Buddhist communities as well.

The table below lists the identified villages and hamlets under their respective mandals, which became a part of the capital city.{{Sfn|APCRDA|2016}}

Notes:

• M – municipality
• The names in brackets are the hamlet villages of the respective settlement.

The administration successfully hosted the inaugural Happy Cities Summit in Amaravati in April 2018. The summit saw the participation of 1,500+ delegates from 15+ countries, including eminent city leaders and urban experts.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/amaravati-will-be-developed-as-the-happiest-city-in-the-world-andhra-cm/article23492961.ece|title=Amaravati will be developed as the happiest city in the world|work=The Hindu|date=2018-04-12|access-date=2018-04-23|archive-date=8 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408115723/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/amaravati-will-be-developed-as-the-happiest-city-in-the-world-andhra-cm/article23492961.ece|url-status=live}}

File:Amaravathi 3D print.jpg office|alt=|right]]

Amaravati is planned to be the people-centric pioneer Smart City of India, built around sustainability and livability principles, and to be the happiest city in the world.{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/amaravati-will-be-developed-as-the-happiest-city-in-the-world-andhra-cm/article23492961.ece|title=Amaravati will be developed as the happiest city in the world: Andhra CM|first=Ch R. S.|last=Sarma|website=@businessline|date=10 April 2018|access-date=10 March 2019|archive-date=8 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408115723/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/amaravati-will-be-developed-as-the-happiest-city-in-the-world-andhra-cm/article23492961.ece|url-status=live}} Among the innovative features on the drawing board are navigation canals{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/Civil-works-of-administrative-city-to-start-by-november-1-CM/articleshow/55083133.cms|title=Civil works of administrative city to start by November 1: CM|website=The Times of India|date=27 October 2016|access-date=10 March 2019|archive-date=17 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517042254/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/Civil-works-of-administrative-city-to-start-by-november-1-CM/articleshow/55083133.cms|url-status=live}} around the city, connecting to an island in the Krishna river. The Government envisaged an investment need of {{USD|2–4 billion}} for the development of the city.{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/amaravati-development-needs-2-4-billion-investment-chandrababu-naidu/articleshow/65562480.cms|title=Amaravati development needs $2–4 billion investment: Chandrababu Naidu|date=27 August 2018|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=8 May 2019|archive-date=25 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925210111/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/amaravati-development-needs-2-4-billion-investment-chandrababu-naidu/articleshow/65562480.cms|url-status=live}}

Criticism that the city would require enormous amounts of energy and resources and would destroy precious natural environments and local livelihoods were raised and alternate plans were proposed.{{Cite web |url=https://thewire.in/environment/amaravati-an-example-of-flawed-urban-policy |title=Amaravati, an Example of Flawed Urban Policy |access-date=2024-03-21 |publisher=The Wire |archive-date=3 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203164553/https://thewire.in/environment/amaravati-an-example-of-flawed-urban-policy |url-status=live }}

The city is planned to have 51% green space and 10% of water bodies. It is being modeled on Singapore, with the master plan being prepared by two Singapore government-appointed consultants.{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/how-andhra-pradesh-plans-to-make-its-new-capital-amaravati-a-world-class-city/articleshow/58767503.cms|title=How Andhra Pradesh plans to make its new capital Amaravati a world-class city|first=Shantanu Nandan|last=Sharma|date=21 May 2017|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=10 December 2017|archive-date=2 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702064427/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/how-andhra-pradesh-plans-to-make-its-new-capital-amaravati-a-world-class-city/articleshow/58767503.cms|url-status=live}}

The city construction had a budget of ₹ 553.43 billions out of which state government contribution is only ₹ 126 billion.{{cite web|url=https://www.eenadu.net/eenadu-exclusive/newsarticle/general/1500/120008374|title=Amaravati city a self financed project|language=te|access-date=18 January 2020|archive-date=18 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118035635/https://www.eenadu.net/eenadu-exclusive/newsarticle/general/1500/120008374|url-status=live}} Government raised money through bonds.{{cite news |last=Sukumar |first=C. R. |date=22 August 2018 |title=Andhra's bonds for Amaravati oversubscribed by 1.5 times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/andhras-bonds-for-amaravati-oversubscribed-by-1-5-times/articleshow/65501684.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325152427/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/andhras-bonds-for-amaravati-oversubscribed-by-1-5-times/articleshow/65501684.cms |archive-date=25 March 2019 |access-date=10 March 2019 |newspaper=The Economic Times}} The contribution from the government is to be repaid by the CRDA after 2037. Ultimately state or union governments are not incurring any expenditure to construct the city but wholly financed by the income accrued from the sale of land for various development schemes (₹ 171.51 billion), loans and the local taxes (₹ 146.41 billion by 2037) to the CRDA. The state and union governments are expected to earn ₹ 120 billion per annum out of which state goods and services tax (State GST) alone is ₹ 60 billion per annum. The entire city construction is planned by self-financing from loans and land selling with the state government's moral support. CRDA is expecting a net surplus income of ₹ 333 billion by 2037 after meeting the total expenditure on the city. Amaravati government complex which is intended to provide world-class facilities needed for the state government.{{Sfn|APCRDA|2019}} The bus rapid transit system (BRTS) in Amaravati to connect with the adjacent Vijayawada and Guntur cities by world-class road network is also part of the CRDA project.{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/vijayawada/2018/mar/02/vijayawada-brts-planned-for-amaravati-to-tackle-vehicle-population-growth-1780930.html|title=BRTS planned for Amaravati to tackle vehicle, population growth|date=2 March 2018|access-date=18 January 2020|archive-date=11 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411082520/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/vijayawada/2018/mar/02/vijayawada-brts-planned-for-amaravati-to-tackle-vehicle-population-growth-1780930.html|url-status=live}} Both Amaravati government complex and BRTS are planned with an expenditure of ₹ 140 billion.

Nine themed cities consisting of finance, justice, health, sports, media, and Electronics were planned. Several business groups and institutions like Reliance Group, NRDC-India.{{cite web |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/how-andhra-pradesh-plans-to-make-its-new-capital-amaravati-a-world-class-city/articleshow/58767503.cms |title=Amaravati: How Andhra Pradesh plans to make its new capital Amaravati a world-class city |work=The Economic Times |date=2017-05-21 |access-date=2017-12-10 |archive-date=2 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702064427/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/how-andhra-pradesh-plans-to-make-its-new-capital-amaravati-a-world-class-city/articleshow/58767503.cms |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amaravati/reliance-group-to-set-up-3-sports-arenas-in-amaravati/articleshow/61973551.cms |title=Reliance Group: Reliance Group to set up 3 sports arenas in Amaravati | Amaravati News |work=The Times of India |date=8 December 2017 |access-date=2017-12-10 |archive-date=29 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829170639/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amaravati/reliance-group-to-set-up-3-sports-arenas-in-amaravati/articleshow/61973551.cms |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/nrdc-keen-on-opening-shop-in-amaravati/article21384497.ece |title=NRDC keen on opening shop in Amaravati – ANDHRA PRADESH |work=The Hindu |date=2017-06-20 |access-date=2017-12-10 |archive-date=7 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407073825/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/nrdc-keen-on-opening-shop-in-amaravati/article21384497.ece |url-status=live }} Pi Data Centre,{{cite web|url=http://www.communicationstoday.co.in/14108-southeast-asia-s-one-of-the-largest-data-centre-is-now-in-andhra-pradesh|title=Southeast Asia's One of The Largest Data Centre Is Now in Andhra Pradesh|last=Gagan|website=communicationstoday.co.in|access-date=2017-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816151547/http://www.communicationstoday.co.in/14108-southeast-asia-s-one-of-the-largest-data-centre-is-now-in-andhra-pradesh|archive-date=16 August 2017|url-status=dead}} HCL Technologies,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2017/mar/31/hcl-to-set-up-it-centres-in-amaravati-vijayawada-1588096.html|title=HCL to set up IT centres in Amaravati, Vijayawada|work=The New Indian Express|access-date=2017-04-03|archive-date=5 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205171020/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2017/Mar/31/hcl-to-set-up-it-centres-in-amaravati-vijayawada-1588096.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://avenue.in/2017/03/31/hcl-amaravati-vijayawada/|title=HCL to set up IT centres in Amaravati, Vijayawada.|date=2017-03-31|website=-Avenue Realty|access-date=2017-04-03|archive-date=8 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708081030/http://avenue.in/2017/03/31/hcl-amaravati-vijayawada/|url-status=dead}} and BRS Medicity proposed to invest in the city.{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/cm-lays-foundation-stone-for-1-8-bn-brs-medicity/articleshow/60010111.cms|title=CM lays foundation stone for $1.8-bn BRS Medicity|work=The Times of India|access-date=2017-08-16|archive-date=14 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914120047/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/cm-lays-foundation-stone-for-1-8-bn-brs-medicity/articleshow/60010111.cms|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://crda.ap.gov.in/APCRDACOMMUNI/Media/Articlesdocs/CRDAMU217.pdf|title=BRS Medicity Amaravati|access-date=16 August 2017|archive-date=16 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816193200/https://crda.ap.gov.in/APCRDACOMMUNI/Media/Articlesdocs/CRDAMU217.pdf|url-status=dead}}

The government explored other means of mass transport like ‘monorail’, Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) and tramways.{{cite news|title=Work at new Secretariat from June 27|url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2016-06-07/Work-at-new-Secretariat-from-June-27/233347|access-date=3 May 2017|work=The Hans India|archive-date=16 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816232815/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2016-06-07/Work-at-new-Secretariat-from-June-27/233347|url-status=live}} Two new depots, North and South depots of the APSRTC are proposed to be constructed.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/APSRTC-cuts-losses-by-Rs.-116-crore/article13988306.ece|title=APSRTC cuts losses by Rs. 116 crore|first=Suresh|last=Krishnamoorthy|newspaper=The Hindu|date=8 January 2016|via=www.thehindu.com|access-date=5 July 2020|archive-date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705194609/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/APSRTC-cuts-losses-by-Rs.-116-crore/article13988306.ece|url-status=live}} A proposed Amaravati high-speed circular railway line would connect the city with the nearby cities of Vijayawada, Guntur and Tenali,{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/DPR-being-prepared-for-high-speed-train-to-Amaravati/article17069877.ece |title=DPR being prepared for high-speed train to Amaravati |website=The Hindu |date=20 January 2017 |access-date=15 May 2017 |last1=Raghavendra |first1=V. |archive-date=20 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120205649/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/DPR-being-prepared-for-high-speed-train-to-Amaravati/article17069877.ece |url-status=live }} extending up to a length of {{Convert|105|km|abbr=on}} with an estimated cost of {{INRConvert|10000|c}}. A metro rail project is proposed between the cities of Tenali, Guntur, and Vijayawada with 100 km circular corridor.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/Circular-rail-line-for-Amaravati-approved/article16806688.ece|title=Circular rail line for Amaravati approved|author=|work=The Hindu|access-date=11 January 2017|archive-date=13 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713182204/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/Circular-rail-line-for-Amaravati-approved/article16806688.ece|url-status=live}}

{{Maplink|frame=yes|zoom=12|frame-width=220|frame-height=180|text= Landmarks in Amaravati (Interactive map)

|type=point|coord={{coord|16.5123|80.5154}}|marker=building |title=Andhra Pradesh legislature, Interim Government Complex|description=AP legislature, Interim government complex

|type2=point|coord2={{coord|16.5136|80.5145}}|marker2=building|title2=Andhra Pradesh Secretariat, Interim Government Complex

|type3=point|coord3={{coord|16.5195|80.4856}}|marker3=building |title3=Andhra Pradesh High Court

}}

The state government originally engaged the Singapore-based Ascendas-Singbridge and Sembcorp Development consortium for the city's construction. The city's infrastructure was to be developed in 7–8 years in phases, at an estimated cost of ₹33,000 crore. ₹7,500 crore from the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO), $500 million from the World Bank and ₹2,500 crore from the Indian Government, of which ₹1,500 crore has been granted.{{cite web |author=G Naga Sridhar |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/amaravati-masterplan-ap-to-ink-mou-with-singapore-govt-today/article9697352.ece |title=Amaravati masterplan: AP to ink MoU with Singapore govt today |work=Business Line |date=2017-05-13 |access-date=2017-12-10 |archive-date=28 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528204436/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/amaravati-masterplan-ap-to-ink-mou-with-singapore-govt-today/article9697352.ece |url-status=live }} With the change of priorities for the government that came into power in 2019, the Amaravati project has substantially slowed, with no completion deadline in sight.{{Cite web |date=21 August 2019 |title=Question mark over Andhra's capital: How the ambitious plan to build Amaravati has hit a wall |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/question-mark-over-andhra-s-capital-how-the-ambitious-plan-to-build-amaravati-has-hit-a-dead-end/473281 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225114624/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/question-mark-over-andhra-s-capital-how-the-ambitious-plan-to-build-amaravati-has-hit-a-dead-end/473281 |archive-date=25 December 2019 |access-date=29 November 2019 |website=www.timesnownews.com}}

File:Group-D housing buildings under construction in Amaravati.jpg|Group-D officers buildings

File:MLA Quarters under construction in Amaravati.jpg|MLA Housing Complex at Rayapudi

File:Gazetted and NGO quarters under construction in Amaravati (5).jpg|NGO housing

File:MLC Quarters under construction in Amaravati.jpg|MLC Housing Complex at Rayapudi

File:BRTS Lane of Seed Access road, Amaravati during a Sunset.jpg|Amaravati Seed Access Road

The agrarian economy is transformed into an urban economy with the formation of capital city.{{Cite web |date=2020-01-27 |title=Amaravati and the many dreams that lie shattered with it {{!}} |url=https://citizenmatters.in/controversy-over-andhra-capital-amaravati-and-impact-on-farmers-15609 |access-date=2020-03-19 |website=Citizen Matters |archive-date=19 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319060927/https://citizenmatters.in/controversy-over-andhra-capital-amaravati-and-impact-on-farmers-15609 |url-status=live }} Future developments include the Quantum Valley Tech Park, set for 2026, which will host IBM, TCS, and IIT Madras to develop India’s largest quantum computer.{{Cite web |title=IBM, Tata Consultancy Services and Government of Andhra Pradesh Unveil Plans to Deploy India’s Largest Quantum Computer in the Country’s First Quantum Valley Tech Park |url=https://newsroom.ibm.com/2025-05-02-ibm,-tata-consultancy-services-and-government-of-andhra-pradesh-unveil-plans-to-deploy-indias-largest-quantum-computer-in-the-countrys-first-quantum-valley-tech-park |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=IBM Newsroom |language=en-us}} The city is being developed with specialised urban nodes such as Justice City, Knowledge City, Health City, and Finance City, each designed to support key sectors like law, tourism, education, healthcare, and finance. These sub-cities aim to diversify the regional economy, foster innovation, and position Amaravati as a leading smart city and IT powerhouse.{{Cite web |last=PTI |date=2025-04-13 |title=Andhra kicks off Rs 65,000 cr Amaravati capital city project, PM invited for ground-breaking event |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2025/Apr/13/andhra-kicks-off-rs-65000-cr-amaravati-capital-city-project-pm-invited-for-ground-breaking-event |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}

File:SRM University board and Entry of SRM University Amaravati.jpg

National Institute of Design, SRM University, Andhra Pradesh, Vellore Institute of Technology, Andhra Pradesh, Amrita University, Purdue University, and the Indo-UK Institute of Health (IUIH) in collaboration with the King's College London, are among others to set up campus in Amaravati.{{Sfn|APCRDA|2019}} In 2018, the city's first management institute, XLRI – Xavier School of Management, was under construction near Ainavolu.{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/vijayawada/2019/jan/18/stone-laid-for-amaravatis-1st-management-institute-1926543.html|title=Stone laid for Amaravati's first management institute|website=The New Indian Express|date=2019-01-20|access-date=20 January 2019|archive-date=21 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121010912/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/vijayawada/2019/jan/18/stone-laid-for-amaravatis-1st-management-institute-1926543.html|url-status=dead}}

File:AB2 VIT-AP.jpg

Nearby religious sites include the Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple, and the Amaravati stupa in the Amaravati heritage complex, Dhyana Buddha statue and Undavalli Caves.{{cite web|url=http://guntur.nic.in/amaravati_temple.html|title=Welcome to Guntur Official District Website|access-date=8 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924014056/http://guntur.nic.in/amaravati_temple.html|archive-date=24 September 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://asi.nic.in/asi_museums_amravati.asp|title=Archaeological Museum, Amaravati – Archaeological Survey of India|access-date=8 July 2018|archive-date=29 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929190235/http://asi.nic.in/asi_museums_amravati.asp|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.ancientindia.co.uk/buddha/explore/intro.html|title=Buddha - Amaravati|website=www.ancientindia.co.uk|access-date=8 July 2018|archive-date=4 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004154833/http://www.ancientindia.co.uk/buddha/explore/intro.html|url-status=live}}

The Amaravati seed capital road is an arterial road under construction to access the core capital area from NH16.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2016-06-22/AP-CM-to-take-part-in-Iftar-party-/236789|title=AP CM to take part in Iftar party|date=22 June 2016|work=The Hans India|access-date=29 June 2016|archive-date=20 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620153101/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2016-06-22/AP-CM-to-take-part-in-Iftar-party-/236789|url-status=live}} The Vijayawada-Amaravati road connects the city with Vijayawada.{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150806/nation-current-affairs/article/four-lane-road-andhra-pradesh-new-capital-soon|title=Four-lane road to Andhra Pradesh new capital soon|date=6 August 2015|work=The Hindu|access-date=4 June 2016|location=Guntur|archive-date=27 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427174614/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150806/nation-current-affairs/article/four-lane-road-andhra-pradesh-new-capital-soon|url-status=live}} NH544D connects Anantapur-Guntur instead of the earlier proposed The Amaravati–Anantapur Expressway.{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amaravati/anantapur-guntur-nh-gets-govts-nod/articleshow/96213341.cms |title=Anantapur-Guntur national highway gets govt's nod |date=2022-12-14 |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=TOI}} Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operates buses connecting the city with Vijayawada, Guntur, and Tenali.{{cite news|title=Facelift to Guntur bus stand|url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2016-06-13/Facelift-to-Guntur-bus-stand-/234921|access-date=12 May 2017|page=2|format=PDF|archive-date=16 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816232933/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2016-06-13/Facelift-to-Guntur-bus-stand-/234921|url-status=live}} Auto rickshaws also operate for shorter distances in the capital city area.

The Bengaluru–Vijayawada Expressway, also known as Bengaluru–Kadapa-Vijayawada (BKV) Expressway and classified as NH-544G, is an under-construction {{cvt|518|km}}-long, six-lane access-controlled expressway between the cities of Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, and Vijayawada, the second-largest city of Andhra Pradesh. This Expressway mostly passes in Andhra Pradesh State connects the farthest industrial town Hindupur in Andhra Pradesh to its capital Amaravati.

The nearest railway stations are Krishna Canal at Tadepalli and Guntur, {{stnlnk|Vijayawada}}. However, there are plans to construct an Errupalem–Amaravathi–Nambur railway line which connects Amaravati with Guntur–Krishna Canal section there by connecting with other parts of the state and country.

Vijayawada International Airport serves the whole Andhra Pradesh Capital Region.{{Cite web |title=Airports Authority of India {{!}} Vijayawada |url=https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/vijayawada |access-date=3 April 2022 |archive-date=7 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307202410/https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/vijayawada |url-status=live }}

From 16 to 18 November in 2018, Amaravati hosted the second F1H2O World championship Grand Prix ever held in India. The event brought wide media attention especially after one of the teams took the color and the name of the state, making it the first Indian branded team in the history of F1H2O.{{cite news| url = https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/travel/the-f1h2o-world-championship-is-set-to-make-a-splash-in-amaravati-from-november-16/article25452710.ece| title = The F1H2O World Championship is set to make a splash in Amaravati from November 16 - The Hindu| website = The Hindu| date = 9 November 2018| last1 = Varma| first1 = P. Sujatha| access-date = 25 November 2020| archive-date = 20 December 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201220234454/https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/travel/the-f1h2o-world-championship-is-set-to-make-a-splash-in-amaravati-from-november-16/article25452710.ece| url-status = live}}

The film Raajadhani Files was inspired by the events around Amaravati.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/rajadhani-files-trailer-600-real-life-farmers-come-together-to-tell-their-tale-101707143134621.html|title=Rajadhani Files trailer: 600 real-life farmers come together to tell their tale|date=5 February 2024|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=14 February 2024|archive-date=12 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212085302/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/rajadhani-files-trailer-600-real-life-farmers-come-together-to-tell-their-tale-101707143134621.html|url-status=live}}

• 2019–2024 Amaravati protests
• Andhra Pradesh Capital Region

{{Notelist|}}

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book|title=APCRDA facts and figures Edition 2, Status 04/2016 |last=APCRDA|year=2016|url=http://www.crda.ap.gov.in/APCRDADOCS/DataModuleFIles/ACTS%20AND%20FIGURES%20OF%20CAPITAL%20REGION/01~1117CRDA%20Factfile%20(%20Web%20view).pdf|publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh|access-date=1 September 2016|archive-date=13 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913124145/http://www.crda.ap.gov.in/APCRDADOCS/DataModuleFIles/FACTS%20AND%20FIGURES%20OF%20CAPITAL%20REGION/01~1117CRDA%20Factfile%20(%20Web%20view).pdf|url-status=dead}}
• {{Cite book|last=APCRDA|url=https://crda.ap.gov.in/APCRDADOCS/DataModuleFIles/FACTS%20AND%20FIGURES%20OF%20CAPITAL%20REGION/01~1117CRDA%20Factfile%20(%20Web%20view).pdf|title=APCRDA facts and figures, Edition 2, Status 05/2017|publisher=APCRDA|year=2017|location=Vijayawada}}
• {{Cite book|last=APCRDA|year=2019|url=https://crda.ap.gov.in/APCRDADOCS/DataModuleFIles/Reports/01~Amaravati%20Project%20Report%20Edition%20No4%20Status%20Feb%202019.pdf|title=Amaravati Project progress report, Edition 4, Feb 2019|access-date=18 January 2020|archive-date=20 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120144816/https://crda.ap.gov.in/APCRDADOCS/DataModuleFIles/Reports/01~Amaravati%20Project%20Report%20Edition%20No4%20Status%20Feb%202019.pdf|url-status=live}}

{{Commons category|Amaravati, Guntur district}}

{{Wikivoyage|Amaravati}}

• {{Cite book|url=http://crda.ap.gov.in/APCRDA/Downloads/MasterPlans/01-Draft%20Capital%20Region%20Plan%20(Perspective%20Plan).pdf |title=The new capital region of Andhra Pradesh: The capital region plan and report|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923140547/http://www.crda.ap.gov.in/APCRDA/Downloads/MasterPlans/01-Draft%20Capital%20Region%20Plan%20(Perspective%20Plan).pdf|year=2015 |archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=dead }}
• {{YouTube|id=-a_-0OjNxaU|title=Capital Tragedy: Amaravati; రాజధాని విషాదం: అమరావతి}} (Parakala Prabhakar's documentary on Amaravati capital issue released on 14 December 2020)

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