CRDA clears 18 key proposals to boost Amaravati development

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) on Saturday approved 18 key proposals covering infrastructure, urban planning, tourism, housing and economic development.

The decisions were taken at the 61st CRDA Authority meeting, chaired by chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu.Among the most significant approvals was a ₹547.07-crore infrastructure package for the high court complex and surrounding areas. The authority also cleared plans for a giant observation wheel in Amaravati under the public-private partnership (PPP) model to boost tourism and approved the development of a city gas distribution network.Emphasising the need to build a future-ready capital, the chief minister directed officials to focus on comprehensive urban mobility planning in line with Amaravati’s long-term growth. He also called for affordable housing projects for lower and middle-income groups in accordance with World Bank and Asian Development Bank guidelines.The authority gave its approval for establishing a special building tribunal to resolve disputes related to buildings and unauthorised constructions in the capital region.

A mediation centre will also be set up to facilitate faster settlement of disputes.In another key decision, CRDA received approval to create its own fire wing, enabling the authority to issue fire safety clearances and strengthen emergency response systems. Fresh tenders will also be invited for a district cooling system after the cancellation of an earlier agreement.The meeting further approved the preparation of a request for proposal (RFP) for the ambitious Amaravati Economic Region, which spans nine districts from Eluru to Prakasam. Chandrababu Naidu stressed that every township in the capital region should evolve into a liveable and economically vibrant hub, with infrastructure supporting residential, commercial and work-from-home needs.The chief minister also directed officials to fast-track the development of hospitals, hotels and convention centres as part of Amaravati’s transformation into a world-class Blue-Green capital city.