Apart from this, the government is exploring the acquisition of another 30,000 acres to expand Amaravati’s infrastructure, including the airport.
Published Apr 16, 2025 | 8:31 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 16, 2025 | 8:31 AM
Andhra Pradesh Municipal Administration Minister P Narayana.
Synopsis: Intending to expand the capital region of Amaravati, the Andhra Pradesh government is considering the development of an ultra-modern international airport spanning 5,000 acres between Guntur and Vijayawada. An estimated 30,000 acres would be pooled, with portions allocated for roads, drainage, and other infrastructure.
The Andhra Pradesh government is considering the development of an ultra-modern international airport spanning 5,000 acres between Guntur and Vijayawada.
On Tuesday, 15 April, Municipal Administration Minister P Narayana stated that it has long been Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s vision to establish an iconic airport in the region.
However, he clarified that no final decision has been made yet, and the proposal remains under consideration.
Apart from this, the government is exploring the acquisition of another 30,000 acres to expand Amaravati’s infrastructure, including the airport. Narayana said that when Naidu planned the expansion by including the airport, concerns were raised by local MLAs regarding fair compensation for farmers if land is acquired.
The minister said that the land pooling scheme — previously implemented by the TDP government between 2014 and 2019 — could be a viable alternative. Under this scheme, 34,000 acres of land was voluntarily contributed by farmers in just 58 days for Amaravati’s development.
Narayana explained that land acquisition typically offers farmers only 2.5 times the registration value, whereas land pooling ensures greater long-term benefits, including returnable plots. For Amaravati’s expansion, an estimated 30,000 acres would be pooled, with portions allocated for roads, drainage, and other infrastructure — while 5,000 acres would be earmarked for the airport.
The minister criticised the previous government for stalling Amaravati’s progress, citing halted projects and unresolved legal disputes that delayed development by eight months. However, he confirmed that construction has now resumed.
He said ₹42,360 crore worth of tenders have been finalised for 68 projects, with work already underway. The mines department has allocated 851 acres to the CRDA for gravel procurement. A drone survey will assess excavation levels at Anantavaram Hill, with the remaining land to be repurposed.
Narayana said the development was on track, with the following deadlines: Officials’ residential buildings – one year, Trunk roads – 1.5 years, Layout roads – 2.5 years, Iconic structures – three years.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
