NEW DELHI: In a decisive step to resolve a prolonged issue, Parliament on Thursday approved the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, officially declaring Amaravati as the permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh. The Rajya Sabha’s approval came a day after the Lok Sabha cleared the legislation, ending years of ambiguity over the state’s capital.
The Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after a brief discussion, with members adopting it through a voice vote. It seeks to amend the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, which was enacted following the bifurcation of the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh and the formation of Telangana.
Explaining the intent behind the amendment, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the 2014 Act had provisioned Hyderabad as a joint capital for both states for a maximum period of ten years. He noted that evolving administrative realities required formal recognition of Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh’s sole capital.
“Subsequent to enactment of the said Act, the Government of Andhra Pradesh, after due consideration, consultation, and planning, identified and notified Amaravati as the new capital of that State,” Shah said in the Statement of Objects and Reasons.
He underscored that considerable groundwork had already been laid to develop Amaravati into the state’s administrative and legislative centre, backed by infrastructure development and policy support. Shah also referred to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly’s resolution passed on March 28, 2026, which called on the Centre to amend the Act and remove any lingering uncertainty.
“The Bill seeks to give effect to the Resolution of the Legislative Assembly of Andhra Pradesh and to provide statutory clarity regarding the capital of the State of Andhra Pradesh,” he said, adding that the amendment would come into effect retrospectively from June 2, 2024.
The legislation is expected to lend legal certainty to Amaravati’s status and boost confidence among investors and stakeholders, as the city has functioned as the de facto capital since 2014. With Parliament’s approval, the move cements Amaravati’s position and marks a significant milestone in addressing one of the key issues stemming from Andhra Pradesh’s reorganisation.
Agencies