Hans News Service

Amaravati

Whileroads are the most visible symbol of urban development, the true strength of a modern city lies beneath them. Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh’s Greenfield capital, is setting a new benchmark in urban planning by integrating underground utility infrastructure with road construction from the outset.

Unlike conventional cities where utilities are laid in phases, often leading to repeated road cutting and traffic disruptions, Amaravati has adopted a coordinated engineering model featuring dedicated Underground Utility Corridors. These corridors accommodate power cables, fibre-optic communication ducts, potable and recycled water pipelines, sewerage networks, stormwater drains, fire hydrant pipelines and provisions for future gas networks within a single infrastructure framework.

The capital’s planned road network spans over 1,670 kilometres, including major arterial, arterial, sub-arterial, collector and internal roads. Wide road corridors provide sufficient space for underground utilities alongside carriageways, footpaths and cycling tracks, ensuring seamless maintenance without damaging road surfaces.

A key feature is Amaravati’s dual water supply system, with separate pipelines for drinking water and recycled water used for landscaping and other non-potable purposes, promoting water conservation. Independent stormwater and sewerage networks further enhance drainage efficiency and reduce flooding risks during monsoons.

The underground corridors also support Smart City infrastructure, including adaptive LED street lighting, intelligent traffic management systems, public Wi-Fi, smart bus stops, environmental sensors and digital communication networks.

Implemented through integrated infrastructure packages and the Hybrid Annuity Model, Amaravati’s approach combines roads, bridges and utility services under unified engineering contracts. By planning essential services before urban expansion, Amaravati is creating resilient, sustainable and future-ready infrastructure that minimizes maintenance costs and supports long-term urban growth.