INFRASTRUCTURE
Amaravati to Get Fully Underground Utility Corridors, Eliminating Overhead Power Poles
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is implementing an integrated common utility corridor system for Amaravati, the greenfield capital, placing all power lines, optical fibre, water, gas, sewage and other utilities completely underground. This approach eliminates overhead poles and wires, ensuring cleaner looks, unobstructed roads and infrastructure that can take on cyclones and extreme weather.
| Announcement Date | 2 August 2026 |
|---|---|
| Utilities Going Underground | Power lines, optical fibre, water, gas, sewage and other networks |
| Electricity Infrastructure Projects | 18 projects worth Rs 1,979.10 crore |
| Current Progress | Approximately 27% completed; remaining work in phases |
| Power Lines Affected | 400 kV and 220 kV transmission lines being diverted; 33 kV and 415-volt distribution lines installed |
| Design Model | Inspired by Singapore and Middle East cities |
| Infrastructure Agency | Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) |
| Completion Target | Capital works projected for completion by March 2028 |
What Is Being Implemented
The city is being developed with large underground utility ducts and tunnels, allowing electricity, telecom, water, and other utility networks to run below ground. This ensures that future utility cables can also be laid through these ducts without installing new overhead poles.
In Amaravati, overhead utility poles are not permitted by the government at the planning level itself.
Power Infrastructure Work in Progress
The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Department has launched a major initiative to reroute power lines obstructing construction in the core capital area of Amaravati, with 18 projects worth Rs 1,979.10 crore currently underway.
The projects include the diversion of 400 kV transmission lines passing through the core capital area and the construction of new substations. In addition, 33 kV and 415-volt distribution lines are being installed across the capital region, with the objective of ensuring that power lines do not cross roads in the future.
The power network is also being strengthened through the integration of 220 kV Gas-Insulated Substations (GIS) at Thullur, Tadepalli, Lingayapalem and Nelapadu.
Government Leadership and Design Inspiration
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is working on the principle of developing Amaravati as the futuristic and effective capital of the state. This model inspired by cities in Singapore and the Middle East emphasises long-term urban planning which is crucial for a futuristic city like Amaravati.
Minister Nara Lokesh announced that world-class underground power infrastructure is being developed at a rapid pace in the state capital, Amaravati, and that laying high-tension cables underground will significantly enhance safety and reliability in the region.
Broader Capital Development Timeline
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said the projects, including land pooling, roads and connectivity, are progressing fast and will be completed by March 2028. The development of Amaravati has gained significant momentum since Prime Minister Narendra Modi relaunched the works in May this year, with the state government starting projects worth Rs 56,000 crore.
Future Infrastructure Benefit
The initiative is expected to transform Amaravati's power network by shifting major transmission and distribution infrastructure underground while creating a more integrated and visually unobstructed capital region. Existing overhead power lines, poles and cables will subsequently be removed in phases.
Frequently asked questions
What utilities will be placed underground in Amaravati?
All power lines, optical fibre, water, gas, sewage and other utilities will be completely underground.
Why is Amaravati going pole-free?
This approach eliminates overhead poles and wires, ensuring cleaner looks, unobstructed roads and infrastructure that can take on cyclones and extreme weather.
How much is being spent on power infrastructure alone?
The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Department has 18 projects worth Rs 1,979.10 crore currently underway.
What is the current status of implementation?
Around 27 per cent of the proposed works have been completed, while the remaining projects are scheduled to be taken up in phases.
When is the capital development expected to be complete?
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said the projects, including land pooling, roads and connectivity, are progressing fast and will be completed by March 2028.
Was this design model developed in Amaravati or inspired elsewhere?
This model inspired by cities in Singapore and the Middle East emphasises long-term urban planning which is crucial for a futuristic city like Amaravati.
Sources
- Amaravati: India's First Pole-Free Capital City
- Rs 1,979 Crore Electricity Infrastructure Works Underway In Andhra's Capital Amaravati
- Underground power network progresses fast in Amaravati, says Nara Lokesh
- Lokesh: Amaravati Getting World-Class Underground Power Infrastructure
- Amaravati: World-Class Underground Power Infrastructure Underway