The development of Amaravati, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh in India, has been a significant project marked by political shifts since 2014, when Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated to create the state of Telangana, and Amaravati and Hyderabad were declared as the new capitals of the states, respectively.
It was in 2015 that Prime Minister Narendra Modi first laid the foundation stone for Amaravati, marking the official start of the capital city project. Since then, the project has faced both challenges and controversies such as cost escalation, legal hurdles, and significant delays including a five-year halt.
The project received a new lease on life in 2024 when Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, launched reconstruction works and set a three-year deadline for its completion.
The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank are supporting the first phase of the city’s development with an $800 million loan. The bank financing will also catalyze more than $600 million in private sector investment to help the city become financially sustainable and provide economic opportunities for its residents.
Currently, about 100,000 people live in the Amaravati area, with the population expected to grow severalfold over the next decade. The government has prepared a masterplan for a 217-km2 area that can accommodate 3.5 million people by 2050.
On May 2, 2025, Narendra Modi, once again, laid the foundation stone to restart the project and announced multiple infrastructure projects worth $6.7 billion (Rs 58,000 crore) that include the Legislative Assembly, High Court, Secretariat, other administrative buildings and housing buildings for over 5,200 families. They also include trunk infrastructure and flood mitigation projects featuring a 320 km world-class transport network with underground utilities and advanced flood management systems. The Land Pooling Scheme Infrastructure projects will cover 1,281 km of roads equipped with central medians, cycle tracks, and integrated utilities across the city.
Modi commented: “Amaravati will be that city where every young person in Andhra Pradesh shall see their dreams realized. In the coming years, Amaravati will emerge as a leading city in IT, AI, green energy, clean industry, education, and healthcare. The central government is fully supporting the state government in rapidly developing the necessary infrastructure to accelerate growth across these sectors.
“I can confidently say that Chandrababu Naidu’s vision to develop Amaravati within three years is both ambitious and achievable. It is clear to me that the activities focused solely on Amaravati over these three years will have a tremendous impact on the overall GDP of Andhra Pradesh.”
A masterplan for sustainable urban development
Foster + Partners is designing the central focus of the 217-km2 city, including the design of the Legislature Assembly, Secretariat, and High Court Complex.
Situated on the banks of the River Krishna, the new city is strategically positioned to benefit from an abundant supply of fresh water. Sixty percent of the development is covered by water or greenery – and a clearly defined green spine runs through its length, providing the foundation of the masterplan’s environmental strategy.
The city has been designed to meet the highest standards of sustainability, including the widespread use of solar energy. The transportation strategy includes electric vehicles, water taxis, and dedicated cycle routes, along with shaded streets and squares that will encourage walking.
Gallery: Amaravati masterplan, Andhra Pradesh, India (Renders)
Measuring 7 x 1 km, the governmental complex is at the heart of the city, defined by a strong urban grid. Travelling south from the river’s edge, there is a mixed-use quarter structured around 13 urban plazas – one for each of Andhra Pradesh’s 13 state districts. At the center of the green spine is the Legislative Assembly, a democratic and cultural focus for the people of Andhra Pradesh. The Legislature sits within a freshwater lake, framed by the Secretariat and cultural buildings. It will be softly illuminated at night, acting as a beacon for the wider development.
The High Court Complex is located off the central axis, with a stepped roof form reflecting India’s ancient stupas. The rooftop’s solar panels generate all the building’s operational energy and its large fin shades allow fresh air to flow through the complex. At its heart, a vibrant garden is open to the elements and provides a social space for the public and officials alike.
Chris Bubb, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners, said: “Our design celebrates the heritage of Andhra Pradesh, creates an accessible and connected green community, and will be one of the most sustainable urban developments in the world with holistic environmental, energy, transport, and water strategies.”