New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday approved the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, formally designating Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh. The Bill, aimed at amending the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, was passed after a brief discussion through a voice vote.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in his Statement of Object and Reasons for the Bill, explained that the 2014 Act initially allowed Hyderabad to serve as a common capital for both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for up to ten years. “Subsequent to enactment of the said Act, the Government of Andhra Pradesh, after due consideration, consultation, and planning, identified and notified Amaravati as the new capital of that State,” he said.
Shah highlighted the steps already taken to establish Amaravati as the administrative and legislative center, citing extensive infrastructural and policy measures. He noted that the Legislative Assembly of Andhra Pradesh had passed a resolution on March 28, 2026, requesting the Union government to amend the 2014 Act to officially recognize Amaravati as the capital.
“The Bill seeks to give effect to the Resolution of the Legislative Assembly of Andhra Pradesh and to provide statutory clarity regarding the capital of the State of Andhra Pradesh,” Shah added, noting that the amendment will take effect from June 2, 2024.
The move provides legal certainty and reinforces ongoing developmental projects in Amaravati, which has functioned as the de facto capital since the state’s bifurcation in 2014.
