No Fanfare This Time: Andhra CM Naidu Quietly Unveils Amaravati 2.0 Models

In a striking contrast to the previous regime’s style of showcasing Amaravati’s vision, the Andhra Pradesh government has now opted for a far more subdued approach in presenting the future capital city. During the period between 2014 and 2019, then Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu made headlines for his extravagant displays of Amaravati’s architectural plans. Back then, models of prominent structures such as a Buddhist stupa-inspired Assembly building or a diamond-shaped Secretariat were unveiled with much grandeur and media attention. These events were part of Naidu’s larger vision of projecting Amaravati as a global city with iconic and ambitious architectural landmarks, and he relied heavily on symbolism, publicity, and spectacle to communicate this vision.

However, the current government has chosen to quietly unveil miniature models of the upcoming government complexes without any fanfare. On Wednesday, these models were put on display in the capital region in a rather low-key manner, avoiding the kind of public spectacle that characterized earlier presentations. The intention this time, officials emphasized, is not to dazzle with symbolism but to inform citizens in a practical way about the state’s infrastructure development plans for Amaravati 2.0.

According to Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) Commissioner K. Kanna Babu, the models have been designed and displayed with a specific purpose. They provide the people of the state with a clear glimpse into the future infrastructure of Amaravati. Unlike glossy presentations of the past, these scale models are meant to offer a realistic and first-hand experience of how the government complexes will actually look once completed. This practical demonstration allows citizens to visualize the physical structures in a grounded way rather than through abstract or symbolic representations.

The unveiling of the models also reflects a change in the government’s approach towards communicating its plans for Amaravati. Instead of projecting large, iconic symbols that aim to inspire awe, the current leadership appears to be prioritizing a more transparent, accessible, and straightforward communication style. The quiet display underscores a shift towards substance over spectacle, signaling that the focus is now on tangible progress and citizen engagement rather than grand announcements.

For residents of Andhra Pradesh, this initiative provides reassurance that the Amaravati capital project is not abandoned but is instead progressing, albeit in a more pragmatic manner. The models serve as a tangible indication of the government’s intent to develop functional complexes that will house administrative machinery and serve the state effectively.

This new approach also highlights the difference in governance styles between Chandrababu Naidu’s tenure and the present administration. Naidu’s vision emphasized world-class architectural marvels and international recognition, while the current government seems more focused on realistic, achievable goals and on fostering public trust by showing exactly what is being planned and built.

Ultimately, the display of these miniature models is both symbolic and practical. Symbolically, it marks a departure from the spectacle-driven approach of the past, while practically, it provides the public with a window into the capital city’s future, allowing them to see and connect with the infrastructure plans in a more relatable and grounded way.