VIJAYAWADA: The much-awaited Vijayawada metro rail project is likely to be launched in a few months from now with the re-tender process for the phase-II of the project set to begin in 10 days.

Even though the tenders were called for the second phase of the project between Pandit Nehru Bus Station (PNBS) and Nidamanuru in December 2015, the process has been cancelled in June 2016 owning to delay in the release of funds.

It may be recalled that 11 companies from across India participated in the procedure and submitted their bids for Rs 780 crore. However, as per the norms, bids were required to be finalised within six months from the time tenders have been invited. "As there was a delay in the release of funds, tenders were cancelled in June and we are inviting fresh tenders," said the officials from Amaravati Metro Rail Corporation (AMRC).

With the state government issuing a government order for the release of Rs 300 crore for acquiring land on August 12, AMRC is preparing the ground to expedite the process.

Managing director of AMRC N P Ramakrishna Reddy told TOI that the fresh process will begin in about 10 days. "As Rs 300 crore has been released by the state government for land acquisition, the process will be expedited. We are finalising the DMRC agreement as well. The tenders will be called for in ten days` time and they will be finalised at the earliest," he said.

As chief minister Chandrababu Naidu is also keen on finishing one of the two phases of the project by the end of 2018, the officials are leaving no stone unturned to launch the works as early as possible.