Reviving Amravati: PM Modi’s Visit Sparks Momentum for Andhra’s Capital Comeback

Anjali SinghMay 2, 2025

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A city once envisioned as the heart of a new Andhra Pradesh is back in the national spotlight. On May 2, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Amravati—the state’s intended capital—to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for development projects worth ₹58,000 crore. The visit not only signaled renewed political and financial commitment but also reawakened public hope that Amravati’s dream is finally on the verge of reality.

The grand event, attended by thousands and live-streamed across the state, marked the beginning of a new chapter for a city that has symbolized both ambition and delay over the past decade.

A Capital Reboot

Amravati was conceived as a modern, planned capital city following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. Meant to replace Hyderabad, which was allocated to Telangana, Amravati was introduced as a futuristic urban hub to reflect the state’s aspirations.

However, despite a promising start—including a high-profile foundation ceremony in 2015—progress stalled due to political changes and a shift in administrative priorities. The introduction of a three-capital model under the previous government led to a pause in construction and growing uncertainty.

With the return of N. Chandrababu Naidu as Chief Minister and now backed by the Centre, the Amravati project is experiencing its most serious momentum in years.

Prime Minister Modi’s Commitment

Speaking at the event, PM Modi framed Amravati’s revival as a symbol of India’s broader development narrative. “This is more than a city—it’s the identity of a resilient state. Amravati will reflect the culture, pride, and ambition of every Telugu citizen,” he said.

His announcement of ₹58,000 crore in new and ongoing projects was paired with a reaffirmation of the Centre’s support under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. “Promises made will be promises kept,” Modi declared, signaling long-term backing from New Delhi.

Key Projects Rolled Out

The initiatives launched by PM Modi span across sectors and demonstrate a holistic approach to urban growth. They include:

Completion and expansion of the legislative assembly complex
A new High Court campus in the Judicial District
Amravati Knowledge City, featuring state-run universities and private research centers
Smart roads, sewage and water treatment plants, and housing zones
A medical hub featuring a super-specialty hospital and diagnostics centers
Green infrastructure such as parks, eco-corridors, and renewable energy installations

Officials confirmed that timelines for major projects range from 18 to 36 months, with a new project monitoring dashboard launched for public accountability.

State Government Takes the Lead

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, the architect of the original Amravati master plan, has returned to continue his mission. Standing beside PM Modi, he vowed to complete what was started in 2015.

“Our vision is clear: Amravati will be the pride of not just Andhra Pradesh but all of India. This is a city of knowledge, innovation, and governance,” Naidu said. He also assured land donors that their contributions would be honored with fair returns and development benefits.

To accelerate execution, the state has reinstated the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) as the central implementation agency and has streamlined approvals across 18 departments.

Public Reaction: Hope with Caution

The people of Amravati and surrounding regions met the announcement with a mixture of celebration and guarded optimism. For years, residents—especially those who gave their land under the pooling scheme—have waited to see bulldozers return and cranes go up.

Lakshmi, a former school teacher from Mangalagiri, said, “We’ve been waiting since 2015. Now, the sight of construction resuming gives us hope, but we’ve seen broken promises before.”

That cautious sentiment was echoed by many. While enthusiasm was high, the general consensus was that true belief would come with visible, sustained progress.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Amravati’s comeback is more than symbolic—it is strategic. As a planned capital near the state’s urban core, the city can act as a catalyst for regional development. Its proximity to Vijayawada, Guntur, and Tenali allows for a unified metropolitan cluster that could rival Hyderabad in infrastructure and business potential.

The reboot of Amravati is expected to:

Generate over 2.5 lakh jobs over the next five years
Drive real estate and infrastructure investment
Attract global educational and healthcare institutions
Serve as a model for green and smart city development

The government is also leveraging partnerships with global urban planners from Japan and Singapore to retool Amravati’s layout based on latest sustainability norms.

Environmental, Legal, and Transparency Measures

One of the criticisms of the original Amravati plan was a lack of environmental sensitivity. The new administration has responded by integrating environmental safeguards into the reconstruction process.

A new environmental impact board has been formed, and every construction project must now pass a revised green audit. Plans also include solar-powered street lighting, rainwater harvesting in all major buildings, and planting of 10 lakh trees across the capital region.

Legal oversight has been strengthened too. Land disputes are being fast-tracked in dedicated benches, and compensation for land donors is being handled through a new online tracking portal to ensure timely disbursals.

Looking Ahead: A City, Reimagined

What lies ahead for Amravati is as exciting as it is demanding. To succeed, the project will need continuous funding, transparent execution, and uninterrupted political support. But for now, the city has regained its momentum—and its purpose.

Urban development analysts believe that if the promises are kept and the vision stays grounded in practical execution, Amravati could become one of India’s most successful planned cities.

Conclusion: A Comeback Fueled by Resolve

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit has not only reignited stalled projects—it has revived a dream that millions of Andhra Pradesh’s citizens had nearly given up on. The collaboration between the state and central governments, if sustained, could lead to the full realization of Amravati as a vibrant, modern capital.

From farmland to foundation stone, and now finally to cranes and construction—it’s a comeback story unfolding in real time.