The Transport Ministry confirmed on Friday that two bids have been submitted for the design and construction of the Paphos–Polis Chrysochous highway section from Ayia Marinouda to Stroumbi,

Cyfield submitted the lower offer at €124,850,000, while Araco in a joint venture with Geostroy bid €128,935,480.

The ministry said the tender concerns “the completion of the design and construction” of the first phase of the highway, covering approximately 15.5 kilometres.

The project forms part of well-established plans to improve connectivity between Paphos and Polis Chrysochous.

According to the announcement, the road will initially include two traffic lanes, and provision for future expansion to four lanes.

The project includes a turnpike at the starting point, linking with the Limassol–Paphos motorway near Ayia Marinouda.

It also features a junction at the site of the planned Tsada interchange and a terminal roundabout beyond Stroumbi, where a future connection towards Kathikas is foreseen.

Major engineering works are planned along the route which includes five bridges and two tunnels, as well as additional infrastructure in the form of four overpasses and twelve underpasses.

The ministry added that the works will also cover stormwater drainage systems, streetlamps, and the relocation or upgrading of public utility services, alongside other related motorway infrastructure.

“The tender was conducted through an open procedure,” the ministry said, noting that “the award criterion was defined as the most economically advantageous offer, based on the lowest price”.

Despite the submission of bids, the contract has not yet been awarded.

The proposals will now undergo a detailed evaluation process by the competent authorities to verify compliance with technical and administrative requirements set out in the tender documents.

The submitted bids exceed the project’s initial estimated value of approximately €90 million, according to the ministry on the basis of “broader increases in construction costs and materials in recent years”.

The ministry said the evaluation process will proceed in accordance with established procedures, after which the successful bidder will be selected and invited to undertake the project.