Amaravati design may be finalised on Feb 22

LONDON-BASED architect firm Norman Foster and Partners — the master architect for Andhra Pradesh capital Amaravati — has informed the state government that it will submit the final designs for the administrative city on February 22. The designs may be finalised the same day, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said on Thursday.

Naidu conducted a review meeting on development of Amaravati from the secretariat at Velagapudi and interacted with master architects at Norman Fosters and Partners. He said that Amaravati should reflect the cultural glory of India and Andhra Pradesh in particular.

Dr Parakala Prabhakar (Advisor Communications) has been tasked with bringing together people from various walks of life in shaping Amaravati as a world-class capital city.

Naidu said that the advice of historians, architects, art directors from the film industry, officials, writers and archaeological experts should be taken into consideration. Those who provide good suggestions will be awarded and their inputs recognised, he added.

Officials from Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority said that varsities such as VIT, SRM and Amruta will come up in Amaravati by next year. Besides, one five-star hotel, one four-star hotel and four three-star hotels will come up with an investment of Rs 250 crore in two years. Six national and international universities will be set up, apart from two worldclass hospitals with total investment of Rs 4,000 crore.

Plot allotment to farmers will be completed this year. An MOU will be signed with NHAI on February 28 for construction of the outer ring road, officials said.