In a significant boost to the development of Andhra Pradesh's capital, Amaravati has witnessed a flurry of project launches worth nearly Rs 56,000 crore over the past few weeks. This massive investment is paving the way for the realization of the city's ambitious master plan, which envisions nine distinct themed cities within its boundaries.
Laying the Foundation for a Financial Hub
The groundwork for a dedicated "Finance City" was firmly established last week when Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for the head offices and branches of 15 major public sector banks and insurance companies. The event saw the participation of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman, underscoring the project's national importance.
According to officials from the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA), this financial enclave will be developed at a cost of Rs 1,334 crore and is expected to generate employment for more than 6,500 people. The institutions setting up base here include the State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, LIC, and New India Assurance, among others. Plans for a towering bankers' tower are also in the pipeline, solidifying Amaravati's position as a future financial nerve center.
Blending Heritage with Cutting-Edge Science
Beyond commerce, the week also saw a focus on culture and science. Chief Minister Naidu laid the foundation stone for a magnificent Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple at Venkatapalem in Amaravati. Modeled on the famous Tirumala temple in Tirupati, this spiritual landmark will be constructed in two phases at an estimated cost of Rs 260 crore and is slated for completion within two-and-a-half years.
In a leap towards fostering scientific curiosity, the APCRDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics to establish a world-class planetarium. With an allocation of five acres and a projected cost of around Rs 150 crore, the 'COSMOS-2' planetarium will feature a state-of-the-art LED dome theatre, research facilities, and public exhibits. This initiative aims to provide immersive training in astronomy and space sciences, encouraging young minds to explore the universe.
Sports, Connectivity, and the Grand Vision
The development wave extends to sports and infrastructure as well. The foundation for the MSK Prasad International Cricket Academy was laid, which will be part of the planned "sports city." This 12-acre complex will include an indoor training academy, a residential school, a mini stadium, and an Olympic-standard swimming pool.
Critical connectivity projects forming the backbone of the capital region were also launched. These include the Seed Access Road, seven national highway linkages, and a new railway corridor. The new railway track will connect Amaravati to major cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai, and will feature a 3.2-km bridge across the Krishna River. Furthermore, a massive 24-platform railway station is planned on 1,500 acres allotted to the Indian Railways, which could eventually become the country's largest.
Officials also revealed that the proposed "electronics city" is set to be augmented with a "quantum valley" and an artificial intelligence hub, indicating a strong focus on future technologies. With these comprehensive developments, Amaravati is rapidly transforming from a blueprint into a dynamic, multi-faceted capital city for Andhra Pradesh.
