After much deliberation, the
Andhra Pradesh Government has finally zeroed in on the city that will constitute its new capital. And the city in question will be called
Amaravati! It is basically the region between the two main cities of
Vijayawada and
Guntur in central
Andhra Pradesh, the ancient town of Amaravati, on the banks of the Krishna river, which will now be developed into the State’s brand new capital. The overall development is expected to cost the state government Rs 20,000 cr.
Chief Minister Chandrabau Naidu pledged that Amaravati will be "the world's best city"; and said that the
Singapore government has already presented him with the first draft of a master plan; based on changes he has sought, the plan will be resubmitted in a few weeks.
Last year, the region of Telangana was carved out of Andhra Pradesh as India's youngest state; the IT hub of Hyderabad has been designated a shared capital between the neighbouring states till 2024, after which it will belong to Telangana.
Amaravati was home to the Satavahana dynasty 2,000 years ago. It is famous for Buddhist sites including a stupa built during Emperor
Ashoka's time. Naidu said that the new capital will be blessed by both 'vaastu' and an auspicious name.
The development of the new capital will begin with the construction of the
state legislature, the secretariat or headquarters of the government, and a high court, said the Chief Minister. Two major expressways and other multi-lane highways will also be built, which are meant to connect it to important towns and ports including Vizag, Hyderabad, and Bangalore, said government sources. Over a period of time, an international and domestic airport will also be built in the new capital region.
But in all the celebration, there is a big cause of worry. The state has a
fiscal deficit of Rs 18,000 cr, while the estimated cost of construction of the new capital is around Rs 20,000cr. What is more worrisome is that the central government has so far sanctioned only Rs 1500 cr for the purpose. However, what Naidu could take heart from is the centre’s promise to deliver more cash, once it goes through the final master plan.
(Image Courtesy: The Hindu Business Line)
