India’s project tendering activities experienced a healthy growth during the first three quarters of FY25 (Q1-Q3/FY25), both in terms of the number of tenders and their aggregate value. A total of 1,01,983 tenders worth Rs 11,63,386 crore were announced during this period, marking a sharp increase from the 70,285 tenders worth Rs 10,12,396 crore announced during the same period in FY24.
Surge in Mega-Value Tenders
The impressive growth in tender value is primarily driven by an increase in mega-value tenders (Rs 1,000 crore and above). In Q1-Q3/FY25, 129 mega tenders with a combined value of Rs 2,48,366 crore were floated, accounting for 21.35 percent of the total tender value. This is a substantial rise compared to the 72 mega tenders worth Rs 1,29,647 crore issued in Q1-Q3/FY24. The most notable tender in this category was floated by NHPC for constructing the main dam, including the coffer dam of the Dibang Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh, valued at Rs 14,807 crore.
Sector-Wise Performance
The Infrastructure and Irrigation sectors dominated tendering activities, collectively accounting for 93.03 percent of the total tender value in Q1-Q3/FY25. The Infrastructure sector alone witnessed 94,338 tenders worth Rs 9,94,633 crore, a significant increase from 64,719 tenders worth Rs 9,18,465 crore in FY24. Among the key sub-sectors, Roadways, Community Services, and Railways emerged as frontrunners, collectively contributing 55 percent of the total tender value.
The Roadways sector saw remarkable growth, with 29,774 tenders worth Rs 3,71,854.47 crore issued in Q1-Q3/FY25, up from 23,247 tenders worth Rs 3,25,525 crore in FY24. This sector accounted for nearly one-third of the total tender value. Noteworthy tenders included one by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for an 8-lane elevated flyover in Maharashtra, valued at Rs 7,434 crore, and another by the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation for a 6-lane elevated highway corridor between Pune and Shirur, worth Rs 5,992 crore. NHAI emerged as a key player, issuing 50 mega tenders worth Rs 85,429.15 crore.
The Community Services sector accounted for 13.03 percent of the total tender value, with 31,176 tenders worth Rs 1,51,549.24 crore issued in Q1-Q3/FY25, a sizeable increase from 14,971 tenders worth Rs 1,00,208 crore in FY24. The largest tender in this sector, floated by the Central Public Works Department, involved the construction of central secretariat buildings in New Delhi, valued at Rs 2,194.27 crore.
The Railways sector maintained strong momentum, with 6,163 tenders worth Rs 1,22,056 crore issued during Q1-Q3/FY25, compared to 4,490 tenders worth Rs 1,32,839 crore in FY24. A significant tender in this sector was floated by the Rail Land Development Authority for modernisation of the New Delhi Railway Station and associated infrastructure, valued at Rs 2,469 crore.
The Power Distribution sector saw a sharp rise in activity, with 5,947 tenders worth Rs 1,04,425 crore issued in Q1-Q3/FY25, compared to 2,586 tenders worth Rs 66,025 crore in FY24. Similarly, the Electricity sector issued 1,719 tenders worth Rs 68,160 crore, up from 1,053 tenders worth Rs 19,501.22 crore. A key tender in this sector was floated by SJVN for setting up 1,200 MW of solar power projects across India, valued at Rs 7,000 crore.
The Irrigation sector also saw increased activity, with 4,312 tenders worth Rs 87,666.04 crore issued in Q1-Q3/FY25, compared to 3,529 tenders worth Rs 64,592 crore in FY24. The largest tender in this sector, floated by the Water Resources Department of Madhya Pradesh, involved the construction of a composite barrage on the River Son for the Sitapur-Hanumana Micro Irrigation Project, valued at Rs 3,993.81 crore.
The Real Estate sector showed steady growth, with 2,345 tenders worth Rs 46,441 crore floated in Q1-Q3/FY25, up from 2,136 tenders worth Rs 34,182.43 crore in FY24. NBCC (India) issued a significant tender for the development of Leisure Valley Phase-II residential apartments in Greater Noida, valued at Rs 2,040.77 crore.
In the Mining sector, 668 tenders worth Rs 6,155 crore were floated, with noteworthy contributions from Central Coalfields, which issued tenders for coal handling plants and related infrastructure worth Rs 1,437.02 crore.
Conclusion
The surge in project tendering activity during Q1-Q3/FY25 reflects the government’s continued focus on infrastructure development and economic growth. Sectors such as Roadways, Community Services, and Railways remain pivotal in driving these activities, supported by increased participation from public sector entities like NHAI and state public works departments (PWDs).
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