Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday, 13 August declared that Amaravati will be developed into a Deep Tech capital, anchored by Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing, as he inaugurated the Seed Access Road E-3 and a network of steel bridges in the state capital. The infrastructure, built at a cost of ₹1,519 crore, is designed to improve road connectivity between Amaravati, Mangalagiri, and Vijayawada while easing pressure on the Karakatta river embankment road.

Infrastructure Milestones

Naidu inaugurated the Seed Access Road E-3, a major arterial corridor, and unveiled a plaque at Undavalli marking the launch of the steel bridges that form part of the Seed Access Road network. He noted that the roads are being designed along the planning principles of the Indus Valley Civilisation. In the third phase, the Seed Access Road is planned to connect to the National Highway at Tadepalli. Additionally, the Centre has sanctioned a 190-km Outer Ring Road and a 96-km Inner Ring Road for the capital region.

Naidu's Vision for Amaravati

The Chief Minister reiterated his ambition for Amaravati to rank among the top five cities in the world and described it as a future pollution-free city. He drew a parallel with Cyberabad, which was built during undivided Andhra Pradesh and became a source of pride for Telugu people, expressing confidence that Amaravati would replicate and surpass that achievement. Naidu stated that he is targeting 2028 as the year when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the city.

Political Context and Allegations

Naidu acknowledged that Andhra Pradesh suffered significant setbacks following the state's bifurcation in 2014, having been left without a capital city. He said that Guntur district's central location among the state's 25 parliamentary constituencies guided his decision to establish the capital there. He paid tribute to farmers who surrendered their lands for the project, saying: 'I bow in reverence to all the farmers who sacrificed their lands for the state capital.'

He credited Singapore with extending full cooperation for the Amaravati master plan and accused the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government of allegedly 'harassing' Singapore as a partner. He also noted that London-based architect Norman Foster was commissioned to design the government complex, and took aim at critics who dismissed early renderings as mere 'graphics'. Targeting former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, Naidu alleged that Reddy, who had once stated in the Assembly that 40,000 acres were needed for the capital, later reversed course and proposed a 'three capitals' model instead.

Capital Region Scope

Naidu outlined that the capital region will encompass the municipal corporations of Amaravati, Mangalagiri, Tadepalli, Guntur, and Vijayawada. He described Amaravati as 'unstoppable', while alleging that certain individuals had attempted to obstruct the construction of the capital's roads, calling such actions a significant risk to the state's development. With major infrastructure now taking shape, all eyes are on whether Amaravati can meet its ambitious 2028 inauguration timeline.