Andhra 'people's capital': What Amaravati will become after Rs 65,000 cr transformation

Phased development and financial backing

The Amaravati Capital City Development Project is structured into multiple phases over 35 years. The initial phase focuses on critical infrastructure, supported by the World Bank's Amaravati Sustainable Capital City Development Project (ASCCDP). The central government has released over Rs 4,200 crore to the state for the development project, after receiving USD 205 million from the World Bank.

Additionally, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank have committed a total of USD 1,600 million for the project's phase-I development. This substantial financial backing ensures that the project has the necessary resources to progress without financial hurdles.

Phase 1 of Amravati Master Plan

Phase 1 of the development project focuses on developing essential infrastructure, including housing, healthcare, education, sanitation, and transportation. As part of the housing initiative, 3,500 apartments and 200 bungalows are being built for government officials, alongside proposed housing for 5,000 families from economically weaker sections (EWS).

The master plan plans for healthcare plots in each of the 27 proposed neighbourhoods, along with a dedicated Health City in the capital to host major hospitals and allied ecosystems.

A Knowledge City is also being developed within Amaravati, with institutions like SRM University, Amrutha University, VIT University, and NID already operational, serving around 22,000 students. Esteemed institutions such as BITS, XLRI, Purdue University, Tokyo University, and Georgia Institute of Technology are in the pipeline for future establishment.

As many as thirteen decentralised sewage treatment plants are designated to serve the capital city. Apart from the source level treatment by the bulk MSW generators, an integrated solid waste management facility is being designed to cater to entire MSW management in the city.

Infrastructure and urban planning

Amaravati's urban planning draws inspiration from global cities Singapore, Tokyo and Amsterdam. The city is designed as a smart, technology-driven, and environmentally sustainable place. Key features include planned urban infrastructure, green spaces, efficient public transport systems, and eco-friendly initiatives.

The city's development is also characterised by the unique ’Land Pooling Scheme,’ where local farmers voluntarily contribute their land for the capital's construction, leading to a sense of ownership and community involvement.

Speaking on the recommencement of works at Amaravati, Nara Lokesh, Minister in the Andhra government, said, "We are truly delighted that the plans for Amaravati would be restarted in full flow. We are confident that we will be able to build a remarkable, intelligent and sustainable city that will be a source of pride for the Telugu community worldwide. We are happy that the Government of India is providing us with the necessary support as we restart work."

Government of India, and the government of Andhra Pradesh organisations, hospitals, banks, schools, and other private organisations are expected to start in a month or two and be established completely in the next 2-4 years.