Andhra Pradesh Sets Rs 60,000 Crore Budget for Amaravati Development

Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh), November 5, 2024: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, after a recent review meeting with the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) officials, confirmed that the state capital Amaravati will undergo a significant development overhaul with an estimated budget of around Rs 60,000 crore. This ambitious budget will support infrastructure projects, including a 360 km trunk road and extensive residential and administrative facilities, as per state Urban Development Minister Ponguru Narayana.

Speaking to reporters, Narayana noted, “The total budget this time will be around Rs 60,000 crores for key projects like the 360 km trunk road, residential quarters, ministerial bungalows, and five new administrative towers. The aim is to complete Amaravati’s development within three years, a target set by the Chief Minister.”

Narayana also confirmed the closure of previous tenders related to Amaravati’s development following an evaluation by a committee formed in July to review past construction efforts from 2014 to 2019. “With the committee’s report submitted, we have closed all previous tenders and will soon issue new ones to initiate Amaravati’s redevelopment,” he added.

Chief Minister Naidu outlined his Vision-2047 for Andhra Pradesh’s growth, aiming to position Amaravati as one of India’s most beautiful and advanced cities. Emphasizing the support of local communities, he remarked, “With just a call, 29,881 farmers donated 34,241 acres in the Amaravati region. This remarkable contribution is a testament to the support we have for this capital.”

The development plans include potential infrastructure partnerships, such as a bullet train linking Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Amaravati. According to the Chief Minister, the World Bank has already agreed to provide funding for the Amaravati project. “I want all the work to be completed on time,” he emphasized, adding that the state has secured Rs 15,000 crore from the Centre for assistance.

He also highlighted plans for interlinking major rivers like the Vamsadhara, Godavari, Krishna, and Pennar as part of the broader Amaravati vision. Naidu noted that Amaravati’s development faced delays due to prior governance challenges, which added a financial burden of Rs 7,000 crore to the state.

In addition to the primary infrastructure, the state plans to build residential towers for ministers, MLAs, and All India Service officers. “The recent elections have increased the stature of Andhra Pradesh, and we are committed to making Amaravati a national model of urban development,” said Naidu.