Amaravati

Amaravati
City
The Dhyana Buddha statue at Amaravati Temple town, 35 km (22 mi) west of Amaravati
Amaravati
Amaravati
Coordinates: 16°32′28″N 80°30′54″E / 16.541°N 80.515°E / 16.541; 80.515Coordinates: 16°32′28″N 80°30′54″E / 16.541°N 80.515°E / 16.541; 80.515
Country India
State Andhra Pradesh
Districts Guntur
Government
 • Type Planning agencies
 • Body Amaravati Development Corporation Limited, APCRDA
Area[1]
 • City 217.23 km2 (83.87 sq mi)
 • Metro[2] 8,352.69 km2 (3,224.99 sq mi)
Population (2011)[3]
 • City 103,000
 • Metro[4] 5.8 million
Time zone UTC+5:30 (IST)
Pincode(s) 520 XXX, 521 XXX, 522 XXX
Vehicle registration AP-07
Official languages Telugu
Website Amaravati official website

Amaravati is the de facto capital city of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.[5] The planned city is located on the southern banks of the Krishna river in Guntur district, within the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region, being built on a 217 sq km riverfront designed to have 51% of green spaces and 10% of water bodies.[1][6][7] The word "Amaravati" derives from the historical Amaravathi Temple town, the ancient capital of the Telugu Rulers of the Satavahana dynasty.[8] The foundation stone was laid on 22 October 2015, at Uddandarayunipalem area by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.[9] The metropolitan area of Guntur and Vijayawada are the major conurbations of Amaravati.[10]

As of October 2016, the majority of departments and officials of the Andhra Pradesh State Government are now functioning from interim facilities located in the Velagapudi area of Amaravati, with only a skeleton staff remaining behind in Hyderabad.[11] Since April 2016, the office of the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh started its operations from Velagapudi. The Andhra Pradesh Legislature remained in Hyderabad until March 2017, when it relocated to newly constructed interim legislative buildings in Velagapudi.[12]

Etymology

The word Amaravati translates as the place for immortals.[8][13]

History

The present capital area has its own historical significance of having recorded its first ever legislation 2,200 years ago.[14] The present-day capital region includes the ancient Amaravati. The area has been ruled by the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Vishnukundina, Pallavas, Telugu Cholas, Kakatiyas, Delhi Sultanate, Musunuri Nayaks, Bahmani Sultanate, Vijayanagara Empire, Sultanate of Golconda and Mughal Empire successively before the founding of the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1724. It was ceded to France in 1750 but was captured by England in 1759. Guntur returned to the Nizamate in 1768 but was ceded to England again in 1788. It was briefly occupied by Hyder Ali. It was then ruled by Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu. It was part of Madras Presidency during the British colonial period.

As per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act (2014), Hyderabad became the capital of the then newly formed state of Telangana, post bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. However, Hyderabad would remain as the joint capital of both states for a period of time not exceeding ten years. Hence, Amaravati is being built to serve as the capital of Andhra Pradesh.[15]

Foundation

The foundation for the city was laid at Uddandarayunipalem on 22 October 2015. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi; the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu; the Chief Minister of Telangana, Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao; the Japanese minister for economy trade and industry, Yosuke Takagi; and the Singaporean Minister for Trade and Industry, S. Iswaran laid the foundation for the city.[9][16] The region was once ruled by Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu, who was the first king to have built a planned city in southern India.[17]

Geography

The city is being built in Guntur district, on the banks of the Krishna River. The city will be 40 kilometres (25 mi) south-west of Vijayawada and 32 kilometres (20 mi) north of Guntur.[18]

Governance

Secretariat complex during Independence Day, 2017
Map showing Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh Capital Region, spread across Guntur and Krishna districts

Administration

Amaravati is an Urban Notified Area and its urban development and planning activities are undertaken by the Amaravati Development Corporation Limited[19] and Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA).[20] The Andhra Pradesh Secretariat at Velagapudi is the administrative block for the employees of the state government.[21]

Jurisdiction

The APCRDA has its jurisdiction over the city and is the conurbation covering Andhra Pradesh Capital Region.[22] The capital city is spread over an area of 217.23 km2 (83.87 sq mi),[23] and will comprise villages (including some hamlets) from three mandals viz., Mangalagiri, Thullur and Tadepalle.[24] The seed capital is spread over an area of 16.94 km2 (6.54 sq mi).[25]

The table below lists the identified villages and hamlets under their respective mandals, which became a part of the capital city.[1]

Mandal Settlements
Thullur mandal Abbarajupalem, Ainavolu, Ananthavaram, Borupalem, Dondapadu, Kondarajupalem (de-populated), Lingayapalem (including Modugulankapalem hamlets), Malkapuram, Mandadam (Tallayapalem hamlets), Nekkallu, Nelapadu, Pitchikalapalem, Rayapudi, Sakhamuru, Thulluru, Uddandarayunipalem, Velagapudi, Venkatapalem
Mangalagiri mandal Krishnayapalem, Nidamarru, Kuragallu (including Nerukonda hamlets), Nowlur (including Yerrabalem & Bethapudi hamlets)
Tadepalle mandal Penumaka, Tadepalle (M) (Part) (Nulakapet, Dolas Nagar etc.), Undavalli

Notes:

  • M – municipality
  • The names in brackets are the hamlet villages of the respective settlement.

Language and religion

The Amaralingeswara Temple in the Amaravati temple town

The residents of Amaravati are Telugu speaking people. Telugu is the official language of the city. Hindus form a very large majority.[26] There are also Muslims, Christian, and Buddhist communities. There is the iconic Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple, and the Amaravati Mahachaitya in the Amaravati heritage complex.[27][28][29]

Economy and infrastructure

The State government has initiated the Singapore-based Ascendas-Singbridge and Sembcorp Development consortium for the capital city construction. The new capital city’s infrastructure will be developed in 7-8 years in phases, at an estimated cost of ₹33,000 crore. ₹7,500 crore from Hudco, $500 million from the World Bank and ₹2,500 crore from the Indian Government, of which ₹1,500 crore has been granted.[30]

Nine themed cities consisting of Finance, Justice, Health, Sports, Media, and Electronics; including Government buildings designed by Norman Foster, Hafeez Contractor, Reliance Group, and NRDC-India will be built within the city.[31][32][33] Pi Data Centre, 4th largest of its kind in Asia, with an investment of ₹600 crore (US$84 million) and Pi Care Services, a healthcare BPO were inaugurated at Mangalagiri IT park.[34][35] HCL Technologies, an IT firm would set up one of its centres in Amaravati.[36][37]

BRS Medicity with an investment of $1.8 billion to come up in Amaravati.[38][39] Mangalagiri Sarees and Fabrics produced in Mangalagiri mandal,[40] a part of the state capital, were registered as one of the geographical indications from Andhra Pradesh.[41]

Education

SRM University, AP and Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT-AP) had already begun the classes in their respective campus in Amaravati.[42][43] Amrita University, Amity and Indo-UK Institute of Health (IUIH) in collaboration with the King’s College, London are among the others to set up their campus.[44][45][46][47]

Transport

A road roller working on an arterial road in Amaravati

Public Transport

Public transport plan not evolved for the Amaravathi. There is no public transport plan for the city. Bus Rapid Transport System, Metro train or Suburban Rail has not been proposed for the city. Also, city may not have Signal free corridor with as proposed for other smart cities.

Road

The buses operated by APSRTC from Pandit Nehru Bus Station and NTR bus station, connects the city with Vijayawada and Guntur respectively.[48][49] Two new depots, North and South of APSRTC are proposed to be constructed in the city.[50] Auto rickshaws also operate for shorter distances in the capital city area.[51] The Amaravati–Anantapur Expressway, supported by Kurnool and Kadapa Feeder Roads is an ongoing greenfield expressway project, which would provide faster road access from the districts of Anantapur, Guntur, Kadapa, Kurnool and Prakasam to Amaravati.[52][53] The Amaravati seed capital road is an arterial road under construction to access the core capital area from National Highway 16.[54] The Vijayawada-Amaravati road connects the city with Vijayawada.[55]

Railway

A proposed Amaravati highspeed circular railway line would connect the city with the nearby cities of Vijayawada, Guntur and Tenali,[56] extending up to a length of 105 km (65 mi) with an estimated cost of ₹10,000 crore (US$1.4 billion).[57]

Seed Access Road

Air

The Vijayawada International Airport at Gannavaram serves the capital region by providing air connectivity to destinations across the country.[58]

Hyperloop

Amaravati is to get India's first Hyperloop transport. Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT) signed an historic agreement with the Government of the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh to connect the city centers of Amaravati and Vijaywada. The route would turn a trip of over one hour into a six minute ride.[59]

Sports

Cricket is the most popular sports of this region. ACA International Cricket Stadium (or Andhra Cricket Association International Cricket Stadium) is under construction at Nowlur, Mangalagiri mandal, part of the state capital.[60][61]

Mana Amaravati app

Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh inaugurated the Mana Amaravati app to have all government services integrated in one app.[62][63] Applications are available in IOS[64] and Android[65] versions.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Declaration of A.P. Capital City Area–Revised orders" (PDF). Andhra Nation. Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department. 22 September 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2016.
  2. ↑ Subba Rao, GVR (23 September 2015). "Capital region expands as CRDA redraws boundaries". The Hindu. Vijayawada. Retrieved 31 October 2015.
  3. ↑ "CRDA eyes CSR funds to push job potential in capital city". Times of India. Guntur. 1 July 2015. Retrieved 18 August 2015.
  4. ↑ "Amaravati to be divided into eight urban plan areas". The Hindu. 3 April 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  5. ↑ Akbar, Syed (8 Aug 2016). "Amaravati as official capital will boost Andhra Pradesh's image – Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  6. ↑ "Naming of the Residuary Andhra Pradesh State Capital as "AMARAVATI"" (PDF). Andhra Nation. Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department. 23 April 2015. Retrieved 1 May 2016.
  7. ↑ "Amaravati: A capital idea, but how feasible?".
  8. 1 2 "After 18 centuries, Amaravati set to become a 'capital' again". The Times of India. 22 October 2015.
  9. 1 2 "Thousands descend on Andhra village Uddandarayunipalem to watch history in making", Economic Times, 22 October 2015
  10. ↑ "Explained: Why Amaravati has been chosen as the new Andhra Pradesh capital". The Indian Express. 21 October 2015.
  11. ↑ "Andhra Pradesh Secretariat starts functioning from interim government complex at Amaravati – Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis". 3 October 2016.
  12. ↑
  13. ↑ Ravikumar, Aruna (13 August 2016). "A river of talent". The Hans India. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  14. ↑ "After 2,200 years, Amaravati gets back its legislation power – Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  15. ↑ "The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014" (PDF). AP Reorganisation Portal. New Delhi: The Gazette of India Extraordinary. 1 March 2014. Retrieved 9 February 2015.
  16. ↑ "Andhra CM scales down Amaravati foundation fete".
  17. ↑ "This Raja knows how to hold the fort – Times of India". The Times of India.
  18. ↑ U Sudhakar Reddy (31 October 2014). "Andhra Pradesh capital to come up on riverfront in Guntur district". Deccan Chronicle. Hyderabad. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  19. ↑ "ADCL :: Amaravati Development Corporation Ltd". ccdmc.co.in. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  20. ↑ "New Andhra capital Amaravati to compete for Smart City tag". The New Indian Express. 25 May 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  21. ↑ "CM inaugurates AP's interim secretariat". The Hindu. 26 April 2016. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  22. ↑ "AP Capital Region Development Authority comes into being". The Hindu. Hyderabad. 31 December 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2015.
  23. ↑ "How Andhra Pradesh plans to make its new capital Amaravati a world-class city".
  24. ↑ "A.P. Capital Region" (PDF). APCRDA. Government of Andhra Pradesh. p. 15. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  25. ↑ "Economic Development Board Andhra Pradesh – Amaravati – The People's Capital". apedb.gov.in. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  26. ↑ "Census 2011". The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
  27. ↑ ":::- WELCOME TO GUNTUR DISTRICT OFFICIAL WEBSITE -:::".
  28. ↑ "Archaeological Museum, Amaravati - Archaeological Survey of India".
  29. ↑ "Buddha – Amaravati".
  30. ↑ G Naga Sridhar (2017-05-13). "Amaravati masterplan: AP to ink MoU with Singapore govt today | Business Line". Thehindubusinessline.com. Retrieved 2017-12-10.
  31. ↑ "Amaravati: How Andhra Pradesh plans to make its new capital Amaravati a world-class city - The Economic Times". Economictimes.indiatimes.com. 2017-05-21. Retrieved 2017-12-10.
  32. ↑ "Reliance Group: Reliance Group to set up 3 sports arenas in Amaravati | Amaravati News - Times of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 2017-12-10.
  33. ↑ "NRDC keen on opening shop in Amaravati - ANDHRA PRADESH". The Hindu. 2017-06-20. Retrieved 2017-12-10.
  34. ↑ "apit-gov-information-technology-communications-department-government-of-ap". apit.ap.gov.in. Retrieved 2017-08-16.
  35. ↑ Gagan. "Southeast Asia's One of The Largest Data Centre Is Now in Andhra Pradesh". www.communicationstoday.co.in. Retrieved 2017-08-16.
  36. ↑ "HCL to set up IT centres in Amaravati, Vijayawada". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2017-04-03.
  37. ↑ "HCL to set up IT centres in Amaravati, Vijayawada". -Avenue Realty. 2017-03-31. Retrieved 2017-04-03.
  38. ↑ "CM lays foundation stone for $1.8-bn BRS Medicity - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 2017-08-16.
  39. ↑ "BRS Medicity Amaravati" (PDF). Retrieved 16 August 2017.
  40. ↑ "Geographical Indication". The Hans India. 23 January 2016. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  41. ↑ "Mangalagiri Cotton Saree | Textiles Committee (Ministry of Textiles, Government of India)". www.textilescommittee.gov.in. Retrieved 2017-02-24.
  42. ↑ "SRM University, AP - Amaravati". SRM University, AP - Amaravati. Retrieved 2017-08-16.
  43. ↑ "Home | VIT-AP University". www.vit.ac.in. Retrieved 2017-08-16.
  44. ↑ "Amity, SRM, VIT get nod to set up campuses in Andhra Pradesh | Press Room". mysrm.srmuniv.ac.in. Retrieved 2017-02-27.
  45. ↑ "Amity University to set up campus in Amaravati | AP State Portal". www.ap.gov.in. Retrieved 2017-02-27.
  46. ↑ "Amrita University to Set Up Medical University at Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University)". www.amrita.edu. Retrieved 2017-02-27.
  47. ↑ "IN THE PRESS | IUIH". www.iuih.co.uk. Retrieved 2017-02-27.
  48. ↑ "Work at new Secretariat from June 27". The Hans India. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  49. ↑ "Facelift to Guntur bus stand" (PDF). p. 2. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  50. ↑ "APSRTC cuts losses by Rs. 116 crore".
  51. ↑ "Thullur- Vijayawada waterway a welcome convenience". The Hans India. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  52. ↑ "In a big infra boost, Centre to fund Rs 29,000 crore Andhra expressway – Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  53. ↑ "List of National Highways passing through A.P. State". Roads and Buildings Department. Government of Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 11 February 2016.
  54. ↑ "AP CM to take part in Iftar party". The Hans India. 22 June 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  55. ↑ "Four-lane road to Andhra Pradesh new capital soon". The Hindu. Guntur. 6 August 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  56. ↑ "DPR being prepared for high-speed train to Amaravati". Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  57. ↑ Reporter, Staff. "Circular rail line for Amaravati approved". The Hindu. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
  58. ↑ "Gannavaram Airport to be named as Amaravati airport". The Hindu. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  59. ↑ "Hyperloop Transportation Technologies | HTT". Hyperloop Transportation Technologies | HTT. 2017-09-06. Retrieved 2017-09-12.
  60. ↑ "ACA's Mangalagiri stadium to be ready by 2018". The Hindu. Retrieved 2017-08-19.
  61. ↑ Bureau, Our (2013-07-12). "IVRCL bags orders worth Rs 1,098 crore". The Hindu Business Line. Retrieved 2017-08-19.
  62. ↑ "video". ETV Youtube channel. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  63. ↑ "Article". Livemint. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  64. ↑
  65. ↑ "mana amaravati - Apps on Google Play". play.google.com.
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