After the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, which of the following cities was designated as the new capital for the Seemaandhra region (residual Andhra Pradesh)?

Introduction / Context:
When the state of Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated to create the new state of Telangana, Hyderabad was allocated as the common capital for a transitional period. The residual part of Andhra Pradesh, often called Seemaandhra in the immediate aftermath, needed a new capital city within its own territory. The selection of this new capital has been an important topic in Indian polity and current affairs. This question asks you to identify which city was designated as the new capital for Seemaandhra (residual Andhra Pradesh) in official announcements.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The context is post bifurcation Andhra Pradesh, excluding Telangana.
• The term "Seemaandhra" refers to the residual Andhra Pradesh region.
• Options provided are Amaravati, Secunderabad, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam.
• We assume knowledge of official decisions regarding the new administrative capital.

Concept / Approach:
After the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, Hyderabad served as a joint capital for both states for a limited period, but the residual Andhra Pradesh needed its own long term capital. The government decided to build a new capital city called Amaravati on the banks of the Krishna River, near Vijayawada and Guntur. While Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam are major cities in the state and often discussed as important hubs, the formal name of the planned capital city is Amaravati. Secunderabad, on the other hand, is part of the Hyderabad urban area in Telangana and not in Andhra Pradesh. Therefore, the correct answer is Amaravati.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Official government communications and news reports repeatedly referred to the "new capital city of Andhra Pradesh, Amaravati," especially when foundation stones were laid and master plans discussed. In contrast, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam were mentioned as important commercial and administrative centres but not as the formal capital name. Recalling this clear emphasis on Amaravati as the capital helps verify the correct option in this question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Secunderabad: Part of the Hyderabad metropolitan area in Telangana; it is not in the territory of residual Andhra Pradesh.
• Vijayawada: A major city and temporary administrative hub, but the designated capital city is specifically planned and named Amaravati.
• Visakhapatnam: A key port city and industrial centre in Andhra Pradesh, but not the officially chosen capital in the context of this question.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may confuse administrative functions temporarily located in Vijayawada with the formal capital name and choose Vijayawada. Others might think that the largest city, Visakhapatnam, must be the capital. To avoid such confusion, it is important to remember that the new greenfield capital was intentionally named Amaravati, even though it is close to Vijayawada and Guntur.

Final Answer:
The new capital city designated for Seemaandhra (residual Andhra Pradesh) is Amaravati.