MTR Corporation's newly established Shenzhen company is inviting public bids for the design of Phase 2 of the Shenzhen Metro Line 4.

The line connects 10 stations between the Children's Palace and Longhua in northern Shenzhen.

Phase 2 of Line 4 is expected to be in operation by 2008.

The 15.8-kilometer-long project includes a five-kilometer-long subway and a mix of light and elevated rail with a total length of 10.8 kilometers. The project is expected to be ready by 2008.

The company publicized its bid invitations Monday for designs of the underground stations from the Children's Palace to the Meilin Checkpoint, one ground station and seven viaduct stations from Meilin Checkpoint to Longhua New Town, and designs for all elevated rail projects.

The deadline for bids is noon Dec. 22.

The MTR Corporation signed an agreement in principle for a BOT (Built-Operation-Transfer) project with Shenzhen Municipal Government for the construction of the Phase 2 of Line 4 and the operation of Line 4 for a term of 30 years in January this year. The company will invest 6 billion yuan in the project.

Line 4 is a 21-kilometer double-track urban railway running from Huanggang to Longhua New Town with 14 stations. Phase 1 of Line 4, which connects Huanggang and the Children's Palace, will be put into operation by the end of December.

Editor: Olivia