Amaravati Set To Be Andhra Pradesh Sole Capital

The Lok Sabha has passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, formally recognising Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh. The move aims to remove long-standing ambiguity in central law regarding the state’s capital status. The bill received support from both treasury and opposition benches, though the YSR Congress Party staged a walkout in protest. Once enacted, the law will give retrospective effect from June 2, 2024, solidifying Amaravati’s position with no scope for future alteration.

Background of Capital Dispute

The issue dates back to the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, when Telangana was formed. Hyderabad was designated as the joint capital for a maximum of ten years. However, the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, did not explicitly name a permanent capital for Andhra Pradesh. This led to prolonged political and administrative uncertainty, with competing visions emerging over time.

Shift from Amaravati to Three Capitals Proposal

Initially, Amaravati was proposed as the capital under the leadership of N. Chandrababu Naidu, who initiated a large-scale land pooling project covering nearly 30,000 acres. However, after the change in government in 2019, the YSR Congress Party proposed a decentralised model with three capitals—Visakhapatnam (executive), Amaravati (legislative), and Kurnool (judicial). This proposal triggered debates over governance efficiency, regional balance, and economic viability.

Legislative Clarity through Amendment

The new amendment bill seeks to resolve these disputes by clearly naming Amaravati as the sole capital under central legislation. It eliminates any legal ambiguity and prevents future policy reversals. The move is seen as reinforcing administrative stability and providing a clear framework for infrastructure development and governance.

What to Note for UPSC Prelims?

• Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 created Telangana and split the state.
• Hyderabad served as a joint capital for up to 10 years.
• Amaravati land pooling involved around 30,000 acres from farmers.
• Three-capital proposal included Visakhapatnam, Amaravati, and Kurnool.

Significance for Governance and Development

The recognition of Amaravati as the sole capital is expected to streamline governance and attract investments by ensuring policy consistency. It marks a decisive political shift towards centralised administration, ending nearly a decade of uncertainty. The decision also revives stalled infrastructure projects and aligns with the state government’s long-term urban development vision.