The withdrawal of tenders of Vijayawada Metro Railway for Pandit Nehru Bus Station (PNBS) – Nidamanur corridor is facing severe criticism from the people. While the BJP-led central government is already in a difficult position in the state for backtracking on several promises in Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu attempted to repair the damage already done. The minister who is visiting the state and participating in several programmes said that the Vijayawada metro tenders are facing some barriers which will resolve soon.

While details for the cancellation and schedule for new tenders is awaited, officials seem to believe that problems in land acquisition might have sent wrong signals to the DMRC. The union minister may want to give away more details regarding the reason for cancellation of tender especially if the so-called ally TDP is to be blamed for having no sense of urgency. Otherwise he may want to give an exact date for “soon” when the tenders will be called again.

One of the reason attributed to the cancellation is delay in land acquisition for both the corridors. The cancelled tender of PNBS-Nidamanur corridor requires 60acres of land, but residents were not ready to give up the land demanding an increase in their registration value. If the reports are to be believed, another reason for cancellation of tenders by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is because the prices quoted for the technical bids were through late last year.