APNEWS

Andhra Pradesh Cabinet Greenlights CRDA Land Allocation Overhaul for Amaravati

The state cabinet approved the CRDA’s new land‑allocation proposals, authorising a review of past assignments and a streamlined process for future grants. The decision follows the Governor’s Council of Ministers’ 27th meeting recommendations and gives the CRDA commissioner full powers to implement the updated rules.

By Open Vaartha Desk · 2026-07-10

TL;DR

Andhra Pradesh’s cabinet approved a full‑scale CRDA land‑allocation reform, green‑lighting audits and faster approvals for Amaravati projects.

Key points

Cabinet approved CRDA’s new land‑allocation rules on July 9, 2024
GoM’s 27th meeting recommended a review of ~2,800 acres of disputed land
~4,500 acres earmarked for priority infrastructure over the next two years
CRDA to launch a digital portal to cut processing time from 18 months to under six
Full powers granted to the CRDA commissioner to bypass case‑by‑case ministerial clearance

The Andhra Pradesh cabinet on July 9, 2024 gave the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) a green signal to revamp land‑allocation in the Amaravati capital region. The move comes after the Governor’s Council of Ministers (GoM) held its 27th meeting, where ministers recommended a comprehensive review of earlier allocations and the adoption of fresh guidelines. By empowering the CRDA commissioner with full cabinet authority, the state aims to cut procedural delays that have plagued the region’s urban planning for years.Since the Amaravati Development Act of 2015, the CRDA has allocated roughly 12,000 acres to government bodies, private developers, and infrastructure projects. However, fragmented record‑keeping and disputes over compensation have left many parcels in legal limbo. The GoM’s recommendation called for a systematic audit of these historic grants, targeting around 2,800 acres that remain contested. The cabinet’s approval now mandates the CRDA to publish an audit report within 60 days and to re‑assign disputed lands under the new Amaravati Land Allocation Rules.Under the new framework, the CRDA will prioritize allocations to public‑utility projects such as the metro corridor, water‑treatment plants, and affordable‑housing schemes. Officials disclosed that up to 4,500 acres are earmarked for these priority sectors over the next two years. The commission will also establish a digital portal to track applications, ensuring transparency and reducing the average processing time from 18 months to under six. The cabinet’s full endorsement removes the need for case‑by‑case ministerial clearance, streamlining decision‑making.Experts view the decision as a pivotal step toward reviving Amaravati’s stalled growth. Urban‑planning analyst Dr. S. Rao notes that the clarified allocation process could attract an estimated ₹3,200 crore of private investment by 2027. Yet, farmer groups and opposition parties warn that rapid re‑allocation might sideline rightful landowners, urging the CRDA to honor compensation commitments. The cabinet’s move, while politically significant, will be judged on how effectively it balances development goals with social equity.The CRDA, created in 2014, has faced multiple legal challenges, including a 2022 Supreme Court stay on certain land‑grant orders. By granting the commissioner “full powers,” the cabinet seeks to insulate the authority from political back‑sliding and to ensure continuity across successive governments. The next phase involves the CRDA issuing detailed guidelines by mid‑July, after which interested agencies can submit allocation requests through the new portal.