Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, India: Amaravati is set to receive full legal recognition as the capital of Andhra Pradesh. The Union government is likely to introduce a bill in the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament, following approval from the Union Cabinet.

As per the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, the authority to decide the state capital rests with the state government. In accordance with this, Amaravati was selected as the capital, and the foundation stone for the capital city was laid in 2014. However, the progress of capital development faced delays due to a change in the state government.

After the YSRCP government came to power in 2019, the Amaravati project was sidelined, and the proposal for three capitals was introduced. Following the 2024 Assembly elections, the TDP-led NDA coalition government returned to power and formally requested the Centre to grant Amaravati full legal status as the state capital.

Under the Reorganisation Act, Hyderabad served as the joint capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for ten years. With the joint capital arrangement ending on June 2, 2024, Andhra Pradesh is required to declare a permanent capital. The state government has submitted a detailed note to the Centre outlining the selection process of Amaravati, planned infrastructure development, and steps taken toward establishing the capital city.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, the nodal agency for the Reorganisation Act, has initiated the process of formally declaring Amaravati as the capital. It has sought opinions from several central ministries, including Urban Development, Justice, and Expenditure, as well as from NITI Aayog.

The Home Ministry is preparing a Cabinet note for approval, after which the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, commonly referred to as the Amaravati Bill, will be introduced in Parliament of India during the Budget Session. With the NDA government holding a clear majority in both Houses, the bill is expected to be passed, paving the way for Amaravati’s formal declaration as the capital of Andhra Pradesh.