The News Minute| April 1, 2015| 7.55 pm IST
The formal announcement has been made, Andhra Pradesh's new capital will be called 'Amaravathi'. Amaravathi means ’abode of immortals', and the temple town by the same name situated around 32 kms away from the core capital area, has a lot of historical value as it was a major Buddhist centre 2,000 years ago.
The temple town of Amaravathi is also referred as Amareswaram, for its famous Amareswara temple dedicated to Lord Siva.
The announcement was made by state Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu after the cabinet approved the name.
Naidu told media that the Cabinet has passed a resolution accepting the master plan for capital city and further modifications will be considered if necessary.
He added that the name was chosen as the government wanted to retain its historical significance yet reflect modernity. Initially, the TDP had plans of naming the capital city after its founder leader NT Rama Rao, but the apprehension that a later government lead by another party may opt to change the name, dissuaded the TDP.
The CM also announced that the seed capital master plan with details will be submitted by Singapore team by June-end, while the phase 1 of capital city master plan has already been given by the government.
Singapore is working in partnership with Andhra Pradesh under a memorandum of understanding signed on December 8, 2014. Surbana International Consultants and Jurong Consultants are the master planners.
The TDP government has already acquired 33,000 acres from farmers of 26 villages to build the core capital on the banks of river Krishna. Reports suggest that the foundation stone for the capital would be laid on June 12 this year.
The master plan for the capital city is being prepared by Singapore-based firms and work is likely to began at the second half of 2015.
Amaravathi and surrounding areas had also served as the capital of the Satavahana Empire who built great stupas in the Krishna River Valley, including the stupa at Amaravathi.