From Our Correspondent
Amaravati:In a long-anticipated move, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu formally inaugurated the new Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA / APCRDA) main office building in Amaravati, marking a symbolic return of administrative power to the capital city.
The building spans 4.32 acres with a built-up area of 3,07,326 sq ft, constructed over seven floors (G+7). The structure is designed to reflect Amaravati’s identity: the frontage features an “A”-shaped elevation, symbolizing the name of the capital.
Administrative Consolidation & Layout
The new CRDA office will house staff and departments previously spread across multiple state government wings. All offices under the Municipal Administration & Urban Development Department, including CRDA and related entities, are being consolidated into this complex.
Adjacent to the main building, four additional structures have been constructed on 8 acres, each about 41,500 sq ft in area, to accommodate supporting departments.
Inside the main structure:
-
Ground floor: Integrated Command & Control, reception, public experience centre
-
First floor: Conference halls
-
Floors 2, 3, 5: CRDA offices
-
Fourth floor: Directorate of Municipal Administration
-
Sixth floor: Amaravati Development Corporation (ADC)
-
Terrace / Level above: Senior offices and common utility areas
During the ceremony, Vedic scholars performed traditional poornakumbham rituals and chanting, and were part of the welcome to the Chief Minister. Also present were many farmers who had contributed lands for the capital; the CM greeted them personally.
Green Credentials & Energy Strategy
In a move to set a benchmark, the CRDA Project Office has received Net Zero Energy – Design certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) — the first building in Amaravati to be so honored.
This certification underlines that the building is designed to satisfy its annual power requirements entirely from renewable sources. To this end, a 540 kW rooftop solar installation is underway, ensuring that power generated offsets consumption over the year.
Symbolic & Strategic Implications
Officials say the inauguration signals the re-centralization of Amaravati’s development with governance physically embedded in the capital. The architectural emphasis on the “A” form seeks to emotionally and visually reposition Amaravati as the state’s focus.
Moreover, the green credentials provide an aspirational model — the state seeks not just growth, but sustainable, future-proof infrastructure.
Still, the move is not without challenges: some farmer groups who surrendered land have voiced lingering grievances about compensation, returnable plots, and development pace.