A decade after first laying the foundation stone for Amaravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu is back with renewed vigour to resurrect his dream city. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi by his side once again, the political and symbolic relaunch of Amaravati marks a dramatic return for both leaders to a project once considered the jewel of Andhra’s future.
From Vision to Abandonment – and Back
In 2015, Naidu envisioned Amaravati as a world-class capital, drawing inspiration from cities like Singapore and Tokyo. The plan involved smart infrastructure, green spaces, riverfront development along the Krishna, and international partnerships. Back then, Modi had ceremonially participated in the launch, hailing the project as a model for future urban development in India.
However, the dream took a sharp detour when Naidu lost power in 2019 to Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. The YSRCP government questioned the feasibility and economic prudence of Amaravati, shifting focus to a “three-capital” model — Visakhapatnam (executive), Amaravati (legislative), and Kurnool (judicial). This policy effectively stalled Amaravati’s development, turning large patches of farmland converted for the project into ghost zones of concrete and abandoned machinery.
2024 Elections: A Turning Point
Fast forward to the 2024 state elections, Naidu staged a remarkable political comeback, capitalising on public discontent over the three-capital plan and leveraging his image as a development-focused leader. The NDA alliance, riding a strong national wave and regional support, reinstated Naidu as Chief Minister.
Within months, the TDP-led government has signalled full commitment to restoring Amaravati as the sole capital. This week’s high-profile ceremony, attended by PM Modi and key Union ministers, isn’t just a relaunch — it’s a statement of political continuity, central-state synergy, and renewed ambition.
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Modi’s Support: A Strategic Gesture
Prime Minister Modi’s presence at the relaunch is significant. In the backdrop of BJP’s push for greater influence in southern states, particularly Andhra Pradesh, Modi’s endorsement of Amaravati sends a strong message of alignment. It also reflects the Centre’s willingness to invest in mega infrastructure and urban renewal projects under its “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision.
In his address, Modi stated, “Amaravati is not just a capital city — it’s a symbol of people’s aspirations. The Centre stands with Andhra in creating a city that future generations will be proud of.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, Amaravati’s revival faces major hurdles:
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Legal and land issues: Farmers who had surrendered their land under the Land Pooling Scheme still await compensation or development. Lawsuits are pending.
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Financing: The initial project was estimated to cost over ₹1 lakh crore. With much of the earlier investment stalled or redirected, securing fresh funds will be critical.
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Public trust: Residents and investors once burnt by policy reversals remain cautious. Restoring confidence is as important as laying bricks.
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Environmental scrutiny: Being on the banks of the Krishna river, Amaravati’s ecological footprint will be closely monitored by environmental bodies.
A Vision Rebooted
Chandrababu Naidu, now 74, appeared both emotional and assertive during the ceremony. “I never gave up on Amaravati, and I never will. The people of Andhra deserve a capital they can call their own — built not just on dreams, but on determination.”
The relaunch of Amaravati underlines a rare political second chance — both for Naidu and for the idea of a centrally located, planned capital for Andhra Pradesh. Whether this vision finally materializes into a thriving urban reality or remains a political symbol will depend on governance, persistence, and perhaps, the patience of a people who have waited a decade already.
