CRDA floats global tenders for Amaravati 2.0 master plan
Phase-2 blueprint to make Amaravati a self-sustaining capital, address gaps left in Phase-1
image for illustrative purpose
Amaravati: In a significant step towards building a futuristic, sustainable and eco-friendly capital for Andhra Pradesh, the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) has floated global tenders to engage a consultant of international repute for preparing the master plan for Amaravati 2.0, covering an area of 709.6 sq km.
The Phase-2 development, spread over 20,494 acres across seven villages, will have a comprehensive master plan. The Phase-1 master plan for Amaravati was earlier prepared by a Singapore Consortium. The Phase-2 area includes government land as well as parcels under acquisition through the Land Pooling Scheme (LPS).
The new master plan will address spatial land use, infrastructure development, and economic and financial planning. Notably, the Phase-1 plan did not include a dedicated economic plan, which assumes significance in view of the TDP-led NDA Coalition government’s decision to make Amaravati a self-sustaining capital.
Key proposals under Amaravati 2.0 include an international sports city, a greenfield international airport, a new railway line and station to meet the requirements of introducing bullet trains connecting major Indian cities with Amaravati, and an Inner Ring Road.
CRDA sources told Bizz Buzz that additional land pooling may be undertaken to meet future requirements for the airport and smart industrial zones.
When Phase-1 was launched in 2015, a master plan for 217 sq km was prepared by Surbana Jurong. However, the change in government in 2019 led to the cancellation of agreements with the Singapore Consortium, resulting in a prolonged standstill in the development of Amaravati as the State capital. “Virtually the capital development suffered a big jolt due to the decision of YSRCP Government for having three capitals, which never materialized due to court interventions and stiff resistance from farmers of 29 villages in the capital region,” P. Narayana, Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, recently said.
The State government, with support from the Centre, has now launched a renewed push to mobilise funds for Amaravati’s development.
Unlike the earlier stint, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has not opted for floating capital bonds to raise funds from NRIs and others.
The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have committed $1.6 billion towards the Amaravati Greenfield Capital City Project, focusing on sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure. The Government of India has granted`2,500 crore, along with an additional 10% counterpart funding. HUDCO has signed an MoU with the State government to provide`11,000 crore for infrastructure creation.
