The process to make Amaravati the capital of Andhra Pradesh has started. Recently, the Central government initiated steps to amend Section 5(2) of the Andhra Pradesh State Bifurcation Act. The Law Ministry has already approved the proposal. After the Union Cabinet approves it, the amendment will be introduced in Parliament. Once Parliament passes it, a gazette will declare Amaravati as the official capital of Andhra Pradesh.
After state bifurcation, Amaravati was chosen as the capital by the TDP government. Farmers in 29 villages voluntarily donated 34,000 acres of land. A master plan for the city was prepared with the assistance of the Singapore government. The assembly and secretariat buildings were constructed, and the administrative work started. The roads and other infrastructure also began to develop.
The construction in Amaravati city slowed down when the YSRCP government came into power in 2019. Former Chief Minister Jagan proposed three capitals, and Amaravati got momentum in 2024 with the coming of the current alliance to power. Work started with Rs. 58,000 crore, and the government gave assurances that the Bifurcation Act would be amended so that Amaravati would not face problems anymore. They asked the Centre to notify Amaravati as the capital through Parliament.
The amendment to the Bifurcation Act will proclaim Amaravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh. Subsection 5(2), at present stating that a new capital shall be formed, will be updated and the name of Amaravati will be included as the new capital.
