IRCTC tenders have seen a digital transformation in recent years making the tendering process more accessible, easier and transparent for all. The IRCTC (Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation), which is a subsidiary of Indian Railways, has adopted the process of e-procurement or electronic procurement for requisitioning, ordering and purchasing services or goods online. It is a way forward for the government to start a fair system for acquiring public tenders by issuing IRCTC tenders online, which are available on e-procurement portals. This article aims to enlighten you with some important tips for IRCTC tenders and some criteria to acquire them successfully.
Tips to Stand Out Amidst Intense Competition
For a vendor, some of the important tips for IRCTC tenders to acquire them successfully include:
- Making sure your company is registered, is financially stable and has the technical expertise to offer the desired services.
- Submitting a bid well within the deadline along with completed documentation work based on the given criteria.
- Staying updated with the terms and conditions of IRCTC tenders which are pretty dynamic and undergo frequent changes.
- Making sure that your company/business has the required certifications and licenses to be eligible for IRCTC tenders.
Listed below are some additional tips for IRCTC tenders that reflect the changing dynamics of the evolving IRCTC procurement landscape:
- Go Digital as a Business
One of the most important tips for IRCTC tenders is that the interested businesses go digital themselves. Adopt digitisation across all operations as a business, including –
- E-tendering to participate in online procedures like scouting for tenders online, understanding their required criteria, bid submissions etc.
- Staying competitive by adopting digital systems to analyse your performance data knowing that IRCTC evaluates vendor performance to make data-driven procurement decisions.
- Using advanced applications like the BidAssist mobile app to track tender updates, to stay updated with new IRCTC tenders or to respond quickly to tenders opportunities.
- Role of Sustainability in IRCTC Tenders
Like most aspects of our lives nowadays, IRCTC tenders are increasingly looking for eco-friendly sustainable practices like going digital. Other sustainable practices include –
- Energy-efficient technologies in railway infrastructure – Regenerative braking, LED lighting, solar power, energy-efficient locomotives, smart grid technologies etc.
- Eco-friendly transportation – Hydrogen-powered trains, electrification of railways lines and bio-toilets.
- Sustainable practices at stations – Solar power plants, conservation of water, qualifying for GreenCo certification etc.
- Eco-tourism – Eco-tourism packages to nature reserves and eco-sensitive destinations and heritage train journeys to scenic routes with historical and cultural significance like the Heritage Train from Patalpani to Kalakund in M.P.
- MoU with CII – Indian Railways has collaborated with CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) to promote green initiatives like energy efficiency, green buildings and net-zero carbon emission targets by signing an MoU.
- Others – IRCTC has also taken initiatives like tree plantation and waste management through segregation, recycling and composting.
In essence, one of the tips for IRCTC tenders for businesses is sustainability. Vendors that demonstrate compliance with sustainable practices or offer sustainable products and services stand a better chance of acquiring IRCTC tenders.
3. IRCTC’s Collaboration with SMEs and Local Businesses
With the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives that aim to encourage domestic industries and inclusivity, IRCTC has also started supporting local vendors and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to boost the country’s economy. They encourage vendors that offer locally manufactured goods and have also reduced the eligibility barriers for local businesses. One of the tips for IRCTC tenders would be to keep an eye out for such tenders and be proactive while submitting bids for the same.
4. IRCTC’s Focus on Technology-Driven Projects
Of all the tips for IRCTC tenders discussed so far, this one is for businesses that believe in evolving with the changing landscape of the Indian Railways. Businesses that offer data-driven, sustainable and technologically advanced solutions, like digital ticketing, smart stations, cashless transactions and AI and machine learning, this is your chance to go big and reach out to a vast customer base with this reliable platform.
Let’s Summarise the Tips for IRCTC Tenders
- Go digital in your operations
- Stay up-to-date and embrace technology
- Make sure your company is registered
- Ensure the availability of all eligibility certificates mentioned in the tender document
- Prioritise sustainability in your services
- Demonstrate technical expertise
- Prove your financial stability
- Get the required certifications and licenses
- Submit proof of past projects
- Submit the bid security/EMD (if asked) and a digital signature certificate (DSC)
- Respond promptly to any queries by IRCTC, after bid submission
- Read the tender document carefully and provide additional documents, if any
Come Aboard the IRCTC Express with BidAssist
Unlike other tender search platforms, BidAssist allows you to search for any tender absolutely FREE, just like Google. Users can search for tenders with relevant search terms/keywords related to any IRCTC tender even within BOQs (bill of quantities). While the BOQ search is enabled by default, one can always disable it by using the “More Filters” button. Additionally, there is an “exact search” option that can be used in case the search results are not relevant to you.
For more tips for IRCTC tenders, get in touch with BidAssist’s customer service team and share your query with us. We will ensure you get to hear from our experts and clarify any doubt whatsoever regarding e-procurement, a particular IRCTC tender, how to apply for it, whether it is a feasible project for you and if it is, what’s the best way to approach your bid and submit the right bidding documents and so on.