The allocation of Rs. 2,540 crore for decorative works such as glass cladding, crowns, atriums, canopy skylights, column cladding and PV panels for the permanent Secretariat buildings in Amaravati has triggered a major debate. The expenditure is being questioned, particularly at a time when the state government says it is facing financial constraints and a revenue deficit. Political groups and public organisations have raised objections to spending such a large amount merely on glass structures and architectural embellishments.
For comparison, the construction cost of the new Secretariat in Hyderabad, Telangana, reportedly reached around Rs. 1,100 crore. A few days ago, the Tamil Nadu government estimated the cost of constructing a new Assembly–Secretariat complex in Chennai at around Rs. 1,200 crore. The revised construction cost of the new Parliament building in New Delhi has also reached approximately Rs. 1,200 crore. Meanwhile, the total cost of two major office complexes being constructed by the Central Government in Amaravati is estimated at Rs. 1,299.08 crore, while Rs. 124.50 crore has been allocated for the new Andhra Pradesh Bhavan.
Against this backdrop, the administrative approval of Rs. 2,540 crore solely for works including glass cladding, crowns and atriums for the Amaravati Integrated Secretariat and HOD Towers has raised several questions. In addition, another Rs. 798 crore has reportedly been approved for civil works such as the Assembly building’s spire, parking ring and approach bridges over the Palavagu.
The criticism comes at a time when the state government has cited a shortage of funds for crucial sectors such as Aarogyasri dues, fee reimbursement and the construction of government medical colleges. Critics argue that allocating huge amounts to the architectural embellishment of capital buildings reflects a preference for grandeur over essential public needs.
It is reportedly estimated that the construction cost of ordinary government buildings in major cities generally ranges between Rs. 4,000 and Rs. 5,000 per square foot. In comparison, the cost of the Amaravati Secretariat towers, including construction and decorative works, is said to reach between Rs. 18,500 and Rs. 20,439 per square foot. This has intensified the political debate over expenditure priorities, cost estimates and tendering practices related to the Amaravati capital construction projects.
The developments have now raised a larger question: Has building grand glass structures with public money become the government’s priority over addressing essential public needs?
