`Hyderabad has a competition': CM Naidu vows to develop Amaravati as world-class city

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday asserted that Amaravati would be transformed into a world-class capital city, surpassing Hyderabad.

The announcement comes as the state government pushes ahead with rebuilding efforts after what Naidu termed as `five years of neglect’.

Addressing the South Asian Learning Summit 2026 – Transforming AI at the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Hyderabad, Naidu said Amaravati is being envisioned as a “Smart City” with a strong “Blue-Green” sustainable framework, integrating advanced technologies and future-ready infrastructure.

Rebuilding Amaravati with a futuristic vision

Naidu said the coalition government, which assumed power in 2024, has prioritised restoring Amaravati’s development momentum.

“Amaravati is poised to emerge as a capital city that surpasses even Hyderabad,” he said, emphasising the integration of technology, sustainability, and modern urban planning in the capital’s design.

Recalling Hyderabad’s IT transformation

Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh between 1995 and 2004, Naidu highlighted the strategic decisions that transformed Hyderabad into a global IT hub.

“I visualised the knowledge economy as the future back in 1995. Despite challenges, we built the ecosystem brick by brick through constant engagement with industry leaders and academicians,” he said.

He recalled his meeting with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, which played a key role in bringing Microsoft to Hyderabad, ahead of other major cities like Bengaluru and Chennai.

Naidu also cited the construction of Cyber Towers as a symbolic beginning of the IT revolution and noted that institutions like the Indian School of Business (ISB) were established as part of that long-term vision.

Genome valley and pharma leadership

The Chief Minister said initiatives like Genome Valley helped lay the foundation for the pharmaceutical strength of both Telugu states.

“Today, both states hold a leading position in the pharmaceutical sector. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hyderabad’s Genome Valley supplied vaccines globally,” he noted.

Hyderabad’s growth a result of policy continuity

Naidu credited Hyderabad’s evolution into one of the world’s most livable cities to sustained reforms in IT, infrastructure, and industrial policy.

“This transformation did not happen overnight. It was the result of consistent policy decisions, governance reforms, and continuous monitoring,” he said.

Reviving Andhra Pradesh’s economy

Criticising the previous administration, Naidu claimed that Andhra Pradesh was left in a weakened state by 2024.

“The state’s brand image was damaged and institutional systems were dismantled. Since returning to power, we have taken decisive steps to restore growth,” he said.

He added that Andhra Pradesh is now regaining investor confidence and emerging as a preferred destination for investments.

Focus on future technologies

Naidu said the government is actively investing in emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and drone technologies.

Dedicated hubs for space technology, electronics, and drones are being planned to position the state as a leader in next-generation industries.

Push for green energy leadership

Highlighting the importance of sustainable energy, the Chief Minister said Andhra Pradesh is focusing on Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia.

“With the expansion of sustainable power generation, there will be no need to increase electricity tariffs in the future,” he said.

He expressed confidence that Andhra Pradesh is set to lead South India in green energy production, aligning with global clean energy trends.