The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) has initiated the first phase of construction for the Amaravati Greenfield Capital project by inviting tenders worth Rs 12.06 billion. This marks a significant step towards expediting the development of the new capital, with the government having approved projects valued at approximately Rs 480 billion to be completed by 2027. The tendered works include the creation of essential infrastructure such as roads, drainage systems, and drinking water facilities in Zone 5-B, Zone 5-D, and other key layouts within the capital region. Bids are open until 3 p.m. on January 21, with work expected to commence in February. CRDA is also preparing to release additional bids for major projects within the capital's core zone. Upcoming developments include the construction of a legislative assembly building, a 47-story Chief Minister’s office, a new High Court building, and basic infrastructure spanning 579 km of roads across the capital layout. Residential quarters for ministers, legislators, and IAS officers, which were nearly completed before being halted by the YSRCP government in 2019, are set to be resumed and will likely be among the first projects completed under the renewed construction efforts. As part of its new year outreach, CRDA has urged farmers who contributed land through pooling to finalise the registration of their returnable plots. The Amaravati capital project, initiated under the TDP government (2014–19), was shelved by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government led by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy after it assumed power in 2019. The YSRCP introduced a decentralised capital model, designating Visakhapatnam, Amaravati, and Kurnool as the executive, legislative, and judicial capitals, respectively. This latest move signals a renewed push to realise Amaravati’s development goals. (Business Line)