Can a city be built from scratch to become the world's happiest place?
In short: Amaravati, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, is an ambitious attempt to create a futuristic, people-centric smart city from the ground up. Designed with sustainability at its core, the project aims to blend modern urban planning with ancient history, though it has faced significant political, legal, and financial hurdles since its inception.
The name Amaravati translates to the abode of immortals, a term deeply rooted in the mythology of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Modern Amaravati is situated on the banks of the Krishna River in the Guntur district, near the ruins of an ancient capital of the Satavahana Empire. This historical site, which dates back to the second century BCE, was once a major centre for Mahayana Buddhism and home to a renowned stupa. The current city, established as the capital of Andhra Pradesh following the 2014 bifurcation of the state, seeks to honor this legacy while pioneering a new model for Indian urban development.
The city's development is managed by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority, which implemented a unique land-pooling initiative to acquire territory from 27 villages. The master plan, influenced by Singaporean urban design, mandates that 51% of the city be dedicated to green space and 10% to water bodies. The project is designed to be self-financing, relying on land sales, taxes, and loans rather than direct state expenditure. It features specialized nodes such as Justice City, Knowledge City, and Health City, and is set to host major institutions like the Quantum Valley Tech Park, designed to house India's largest quantum computer.
The project has been marked by intense political volatility. After the 2019 election, the incoming government questioned the city's viability and proposed a three-capital model, leading to years of protests and legal battles. However, following the 2024 election, the new administration reaffirmed Amaravati as the sole capital. In 2026, the Indian Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization (Amendment) Act, granting the city permanent statutory status. Despite past delays, the city continues to evolve, aiming to become a global hub for technology, innovation, and sustainable living.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Amaravati
- Also: Wikidata — Amaravati · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Amaravati · CC0
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