‘Amaravati Is Unstoppable’: Capital Revival Accelerates Despite Political Hurdles

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu declared that the development of Amaravati as a greenfield capital cannot be stopped, stating the project is “unstoppable” despite repeated attempts by political rivals to create hurdles. Speaking as the chief guest at the golden jubilee celebrations of Siddhartha Academy educational institutions in Vijayawada, the Chief Minister said some individuals are attempting to obstruct progress out of jealousy after seeing the rapid revival of Amaravati. He asserted that the government is committed to building a world-class capital , designed in a way that earns global admiration , and made it clear that Amaravati will not slow down due to “conspiracies.”

Responding to criticism that the capital is being developed in a river basin region, Naidu dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and lacking historical understanding. He noted that civilizations across history have flourished near water bodies and questioned why critics ignore this reality. In an indirect reference to former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy , Naidu asked observers to look at where major cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi, and London were established. The Chief Minister also projected a wider urban vision, stating that Vijayawada, Guntur, Mangalagiri and Amaravati would gradually evolve into an integrated, highly livable metropolitan region , positioning the capital belt as a prime development zone.

Strengthening the government’s stance, Municipal Administration Minister P. Narayana recently launched a strong counterattack on the opposition, alleging that Amaravati was delayed due to false propaganda and legal obstacles created earlier. Narayana also presented a clearer construction roadmap, promising that trunk roads would be completed in 1.5 years , layout roads in 2.5 years , and key iconic buildings within three years , reinforcing the government’s message that Amaravati will be developed as the only capital with a fixed execution timeline.

In a significant technology push linked to capital development, Naidu announced the setting up of a Quantum Computer Centre in Amaravati , leveraging the Centre’s National Quantum Mission . He said the facility would begin operations within the next six months , and training is already being provided to students and experts in quantum algorithms . The government’s longer-term target, he added, is to develop Andhra Pradesh into a global hub capable of manufacturing quantum computers within two years , eventually supplying them to the wider world.

Adding more weight to the quantum plan, SRM University-AP has proposed establishing a Quantum Computing Hub in Amaravati, including a Quantum Computer and a Quantum Reference Centre , in partnership with the state government. The proposal also includes building a dedicated Quantum Institute to create a quantum-ready workforce and strengthen advanced research. The university has additionally announced collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science to set up an AI institute , indicating that Amaravati is being positioned not only as an administrative capital but also as a future technology and innovation hub .

Naidu also highlighted sweeping reforms in education, stating that the government is giving top priority to education through infrastructure expansion and reforms. He detailed the plan of providing an elementary school per kilometre, upper primary schools within three kilometres, and high schools within five kilometres, alongside a junior college in every mandal, an engineering college in every revenue division, and a medical college in every district. He further noted that mega parent-teacher meetings twice a year are being conducted with a focus on strengthening ethical and moral values among students, alongside institutional development.

Expanding the development narrative beyond Amaravati, Naidu said Visakhapatnam is expected to attract global firms like Google and Cognizant , while Rayalaseema would be strengthened through industrial expansion such as Space City , defence-linked projects , and food processing units . He also highlighted that Orvakal in Kurnool district is being developed as a Drone Hub , with governance reforms like WhatsApp governance aimed at taking public services directly to citizens. Supporting this direction, official announcements have also stated that India’s first Drone City is being set up at Orvakal , positioning the region as a national centre for drone manufacturing and aerospace-linked ecosystems.

Meanwhile, the opposition has escalated criticism over Amaravati, especially surrounding the proposed second phase of Land Pooling . Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy questioned why the government is seeking an additional 50,000 acres , alleging that even the first-phase pooled land is yet to see complete promised development. He also flagged concerns about funding, claiming the cost could go up to ₹1 lakh crore , and demanded clarity on financial planning. YSRCP leaders further alleged that Amaravati has been turned into a “centre for scams” , accusing the government of rushing into new land pooling without delivering full justice to farmers from the earlier phase setting the stage for a fresh political battle between the ruling coalition’s Amaravati revival push and the opposition’s funding and farmer-justice narrative .