Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, after considering the suggestion of  UK-based architects Foster and Partners has arrived at the decision to use only eco-friendly, non-polluting public transport, especially electric buses with no emissions in Amaravati, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh.

After a meeting with Foster and Partners at Vijayawada, the government on Wednesday approved that unmanned electric buses will run on roads of Amaravati administrative city with dedicated stops.

He added that in order to avoid pollution in the city, only electric buses and vehicles will be permitted to ply on its roads. Foster and Partners and architect Hafeez Contractor, the Indian partner to contribute local design ideas, have come up with a broad plan in which the city would consist of 51 per cent green, 10 per cent water, 14 per cent road and 25 per cent building footprint in the new capital.

Keeping the aesthetic aspect of the city in mind, Foster’s representatives said public parks with natural landscapes and plants would come up in the city. Cultural buildings would be integrated within green and blue areas, city squares and urban squares would be made more inclusive and attractive. For sustainable energy use, Chris Bubb of Foster and Partners said that solar energy should be used which is cost effective and environment friendly.

For sustainable water usage, rainwater harvesting and storm water management was suggested. The representatives also proposed that recycled water from sewage treatment plants should be used for irrigation.

It was also proposed that vehicle -free zones should be introduced. They stressed dedicated bicycle and pedestrian routes and use of canals for water taxis.

With help of Foster and Partners who have studied a number of cities in the world and incorporated the results in their plan, Amravati is all set to become a dynamic city.