If you want to do business with Indian Railways, IRCTC tenders are a great way to get started. IRCTC basically stands for Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation. It regularly releases tenders for things like catering, tourism, infrastructure, and IT services. 

Participating in IRCTC tenders can open significant business opportunities. If you are looking to work with them, understanding how to apply for IRCTC tenders is crucial. But before you can start bidding, you need to register on their tender portal. It’s not too complicated, but you do need to follow certain steps.

This guide provides a step-by-step approach on how to register for IRCTC tender and how to apply for IRCTC tenders.

Getting Started with IRCTC Tenders

IRCTC manages its tendering activities through a dedicated e-Tendering portal. This is where you register, check available tenders, and submit your bids.

Before learning how to register for IRCTC tender, it’s important to know the types of tenders available. Some of the most common categories include:

  • Catering Services – Providing food and beverage services on trains and at railway stations.
  • Tourism Services – Managing travel packages, hotel accommodations, and railway tourism initiatives.
  • Infrastructure & Facility Management – Setting up and maintaining lounges, food plazas, and kitchens.
  • IT & Technology Services – Providing digital solutions for railway ticketing and customer support.

If your business fits into any of these categories, you’re good to go. Now, let’s move on to registration.

How to Register on IRCTC Tender Portal

Before applying for tenders, you must register as a vendor on the IRCTC tender portal.

  1. The first step is to open the IRCTC tender portal.
  2. Once you are there, click the “Register Me” button. This will begin the registration process. It will take you to a form where you need to fill in your company details.
  3. Provide the required information. You will have to provide your business name, the type of business (like if it’s a private company or a partnership), the name and contact details of the authorized person handling the registration, and an email ID and phone number.
  4. After that, you’ll have to upload a few necessary documents, including your company registration certificate, PAN card, GST registration, and whatever else they ask for.
  5. After completing the form and uploading the documents, submit your registration.
  6. Upon submission, your registration will be reviewed and enabled by ITI Limited Delhi. You will receive a system-generated User ID and Password via email.
  7. After getting your credentials, you’re officially registered. Now, you can log in and start looking for tenders.

Logging into the IRCTC Tender Portal

Now that you’ve got your login details, the next step is actually logging in. Follow these steps to log in:

  1. Go back to the portal and enter your User ID and Password.
  2. Change the password. On first login, it’s advisable to change the system-generated password to a secure, memorable one.
  3. This is something important. If you’re planning to actually submit bids, you need a Class III Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). This is basically an electronic signature that proves you’re the one submitting the bid. Without it, you won’t be able to participate.

Finding and Applying for IRCTC Tenders

  1. View Active Tenders: On the homepage, click on the “Tender free view” link to see the latest tenders.
  2. Select Desired Tender: Click on “Show form” to view detailed notifications of the tender you’re interested in.
  3. Request Tender Form: Navigate to “New Tender” and click on “Request tender form” for the selected tender. Fill in any required information as per the tender documents.
  4. Download Tender Documents: Go to “Tender In Progress” and click on “Edit Attachment” for the specific tender. Download all relevant documents, including technical sheets and price sheets.
  5. Prepare Your Bid: Complete the downloaded documents with accurate information. Ensure all data is correct and complies with the tender requirements.
  6. Upload and Submit Bid: Return to “Tender In Progress” and click on “Edit Attachment” for the tender. Upload the completed documents and sign them digitally using your DSC. Verify all uploaded files and submit your bid before the deadline.

Conclusion

Getting started with IRCTC tenders isn’t as hard as it sounds, but it does take some effort. Once you’re registered and familiar with the process, bidding becomes easier. Understanding how to register for IRCTC tenders is the first step toward securing railway contracts. Once registered, knowing how to apply for IRCTC tenders efficiently can significantly improve your chances of winning bids.

For further assistance and to explore more tender opportunities, consider utilizing platforms like BidAssist, which offer comprehensive resources and support throughout the bidding process.