Amaravati capital development accused of financial irregularities

Ambati Rambabu, a former minister and Guntur district president of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), has accused the state government of turning the Amaravati capital development into a ‘mega loot project’ characterized by financial irregularities and inflated estimates.

Rambabu highlighted significant discrepancies in infrastructure spending, specifically citing the Seed Access Road. He noted that Rs 1,519 crore was allocated for 21.77 km of road. He compared these costs to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) standards, which typically range from Rs 23–24 crore per km, whereas certain packages in Amaravati reached Rs 532 crore for just 3.5 km. He also claimed flyover construction costs reached nearly Rs 180 crore per km.

Further allegations include disproportionately high costs for government buildings, with Secretariat construction reportedly costing Rs 18,413 per sq. ft. and administrative towers ranging between Rs 20,000 and Rs 22,000 per sq. ft. Additionally, Rambabu raised concerns regarding farmers who surrendered approximately 33,000 acres of land and are still awaiting developed returnable plots despite massive project expenditures.