A low bid of $309.9 million for the first stage of a metro for the city of Adana. in the southeast, has been returned by a venture of Sweden's ABB Adrantaz with the local Alarko, according to contracting sources.

The client is Adana municipality.

Four bids were returned by the following joint ventures of foreign and local companies:

ABB Adrantz with Alarko $309.9 million Germany's Siemens with Simko and Guris about $347 million SNC Lavalin International and Bombardier, both of Canada, with Gama Endustri $474 million France's GEC Alsthom with Yapi Merkezi $501.9 million A selection, following evaluation of the bids and accompanying 100 per cent financing packages, could be made by the municipality in the first half of September, say the contracting sources. The 13.5-kilometre first stage includes nine stations, and the contract covers preparation of final designs, civils construction of alignment structures and stations, mechanical and electrical equipment supply and installation, and supply of rolling stock. It also includes training and consultancy services during an operation and maintenance period.