APCRDA

Quick facts:

• Landscape development for approximately 20 km of highway corridor
• Around 60 acres of landscape intervention
• Commissioned by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA)
• Gateway landscape connecting Gannavaram Airport to Amaravati
• Inspired by the Rainbow concept representing the unity of Andhra Pradesh’s regions
• Road medians, side landscapes and gateway enhancements
• Native planting and public amenities
• Symbolic landscape narrative integrating culture and regional identity

Project summary

The CRDA Rainbow Corridor transforms the primary gateway to Andhra Pradesh’s new capital into a vibrant landscape that celebrates unity, identity and progress. Inspired by the seven colours of a rainbow, the design represents the collective strength of the state’s diverse regions, translating a powerful narrative into an immersive public landscape that welcomes visitors while enhancing environmental quality and urban character.

Commissioned by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA), the project aimed to beautify and green the approach corridor from Gannavaram Airport to Amaravati.

Design challenge and response

• Transforming a long transportation corridor into a memorable civic experience.
• Creating a unified identity for the newly established capital region.
• Balancing visual impact with practical maintenance and infrastructure requirements.
• Integrating landscape design across medians, roadside spaces and major intersections.
• Developing a concept that resonates with the cultural and geographical diversity of Andhra Pradesh.

The landscape is inspired by the Rainbow, symbolizing the collective strength of Andhra Pradesh’s regions. Each colour represents a distinct region and its cultural attributes, translating regional identity into planting palettes, landscape features and public spaces. Carefully designed medians, roadside planting, seating, gateway elements and green infrastructure create a visually engaging corridor that strengthens the capital’s identity while improving the user experience along the route.

Material palette

• Native flowering trees
• Pagoda trees
• Spathiphyllum planting
• Seasonal flowering shrubs
• Lawn and ornamental grasses
• Grass pavers
• Natural stone paving
• Concrete seating and benches
• Landscape lighting
• Decorative hardscape elements

Sustainability / Climate Response

• Extensive roadside planting to improve air quality and reduce urban heat.
• Native and climate-adapted species minimizing irrigation and maintenance requirements.
• Green medians and roadside buffers mitigating dust and traffic pollution.
• Grass pavers supporting groundwater recharge and reducing surface runoff.
• Increased tree canopy improving thermal comfort for pedestrians and road users.
• Long-term landscape strategy that strengthens biodiversity and enhances ecological resilience along the corridor.

Outcome / impact

The CRDA Rainbow Corridor establishes a distinctive identity for Andhra Pradesh’s capital region by transforming a conventional highway into a symbolic public landscape. The project enhances the visual character of the airport approach, improves environmental performance and creates a memorable gateway that celebrates regional diversity, civic pride and sustainable urban development.