Amaravati officially declared Andhra capital; Prez Murmu signs law, gazette notification issued
The legislation grants Amaravati full legal status as the state capital, retrospectively effective from June 2, 2024
By Sistla Dakshina Murthy
Representational Image
New Delhi: Amaravati is now officially the capital of Andhra Pradesh.
President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The Union Law Ministry has issued a Gazette notification, formalising the decision after Parliament passed the amendment to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
Parliament clears Amendment Bill
The amendment bill, introduced by the Union Home Ministry to modify provisions of the AP Reorganisation Act, was approved by both Houses of Parliament on April 1 and 2.
The legislation grants Amaravati full legal status as the state capital, retrospectively effective from June 2, 2024.
The move follows a resolution passed by the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on March 28, urging the Centre to formally recognise Amaravati as the capital.
Presidential assent and legal backing
President Droupadi Murmu signed the bill under Article 111 of the Constitution, giving it legal effect as the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026 (Act No. 7 of 2026). The Gazette notification confirming the enactment was issued shortly thereafter by the Union Law Ministry.
CRDA regions included under Amaravati
The amendment clearly states that all regions notified under the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority Act, 2014, will collectively constitute Amaravati. This provision aims to eliminate any future disputes regarding the extent of the capital region.
It further specifies that any future changes to the capital’s status or boundaries can only be made by Parliament, and not by the state legislature.
CM Chandrababu thanks President
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the development and expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu for granting assent to the bill.
He described the move as the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream of the people of Andhra Pradesh and a significant milestone in the state’s administrative and developmental journey.
