Foundation stone for AP capital likely to be laid on June 6

The foundation stone for the new capital of Andhra Pradesh, which would come up in the Vijayawada-Guntur region, is likely to be laid on June 6.
"Tentatively, it is on June 6 at 8.49 (AM). It is (yet) to be (finally) decided," state Information and IT Minister Palle Raghunatha Reddy told reporters here today.
The government of Andhra Pradesh (post bifurcation of united Andhra Pradesh and creation of Telangana) plans to develop a river-front capital on river Krishna in the Vijayawada and Guntur region and has 'pooled' about 33,000 acres of land for the purpose.
The capital would be named 'Amaravati', after the ancient town in Guntur district in view of its historic, cultural and religious significance.

Singapore government, which has been entrusted with the task of providing a master plan for the capital, is expected to submit its report by next month.
The government plans to float global tenders to select the master developer for the new capital city.

The selection would be through the 'Swiss Challenge' method, where developer is asked to come up with a proposal, including expected cost and then others who are interested would be allowed to present their plans.
If another developer comes up with a proposal with lower cost, the earlier developer would be given a chance to match the offer. If he does it, he would be awarded the contract, if not the latter would get it.

The state government last week issued a Government Order (GO) exempting the Capital City Development Project from the application of certain provisions (Chapter II and Chapter III) of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 as amended by the Ordinance No 4 of 2015.