On 6 April 2026, Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026, which aims to clarify Andhra Pradesh’s capital status and to ensure administrative stability.
The Act is deemed to have come into force with effect from 2 June 2024.
Background:
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 was enacted to divide Andhra Pradesh into two separate States following bifurcation:
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Telangana
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Residual Andhra Pradesh
While Hyderabad served as a temporary common capital, Andhra Pradesh was required to establish a new one, but shifting political priorities led to prolonged confusion and disputes over its location.
Key Points:
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This Amendment Act revises Section 5 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
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The amendment substitutes the wording in Section 5(2) to explicitly state that “Amaravati shall be the new capital.”
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This amendment ends the earlier arrangement of Hyderabad functioning as a common capital, thereby reinforcing a separate and exclusive capital for Andhra Pradesh.
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A new Explanation 2 is inserted in Section 5(2), clarifying that the term “Amaravati” includes all capital city areas notified under the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority Act, 2014.
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The amendment resolves post -bifurcation ambiguity over Andhra Pradesh’s capital and ensures administrative and legal clarity.
