The Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (APMRC) has announced that Joint Ventures (JVs) will be allowed to participate in the Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam Metro Rail civil work tenders. Managing Director N. P. Ramakrishna Reddy confirmed the decision through a press release from the APMRC office in Amaravati.

As part of Phase-1, APMRC has invited international tenders for 40% of the civil works, covering 46.23 km in Visakhapatnam and 38 km in Vijayawada. The decision to allow JVs was taken after several contracting firms attending the pre-bid meeting requested more flexibility, including smaller work packages and the option to participate as joint ventures.

Responding to these requests, APMRC decided to permit a maximum of three companies to form a JV and submit bids together. This is expected to increase competition and participation from more companies. However, authorities clarified that they will not divide the works into smaller packages, as completing both projects by 2028 within budget remains a priority.

The last date for submission of tenders is set for October 10 for Visakhapatnam Metro and October 14 for Vijayawada Metro. This decision follows a review of other metro projects across India and aims to ensure timely completion without escalating costs.