During January 2008, a total of 3,099 projectrelated tenders were floated, with an estimated cost of Rs.16,721 crore. Among the total number of tenders floated, 2,575 tenders worth Rs.13,995 crore were by state government agencies, 480 tenders worth Rs.2,703 crore were by Central government agencies and the balance 44 tenders were by private parties.

Among tenders floated, the most notable one was by Government of Union Territory of Chandigarh. The Chandigarh administration invited EoIs to set up a Medi City over approximately 45 acres of land in Industrial Area Phase-III, (Raipur Kalan) in Chandigarh. The Medi City shall consist of a super specialty hospital, charity hospital, nursing college with free nursing education for 300 nurses per year, medical college, holistic health centre, research centre, dental hospital-cum-college and terminal care centre/hospice.

Another notable tender floated during the month was by Indian Oil Corporation. IOC invited global bids for laying 290 km cross-country petroleum product pipeline between Chennai and Bangalore, including installation of a pipeline across creek/canal crossings through Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technique and associated facilities.

Among the major sectors in terms of number of tenders floated as well as estimated value of work, the Roadways sector topped the list with 1,501 project-related tenders at an estimated cost of Rs.5,709 crore. Irrigation, Community Services and Railways followed the list with 396 tenders (Rs.1,596 crore), 298 tenders (Rs.1,373 crore) and 196 tenders (Rs.1,404 crore), respectively. In terms of an aggregate value of work, the Power Distribution sector ranked second after Roadways with 67 project-related tenders worth Rs.3,335 crore. This is mainly because Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. was most active in project-related tendering business during January 2008. MSEDCL invited 11 high value tenders for appointment of turnkey contractors for electrification work under "Mahavitaran Infrastructure Plan Phase-I" in Kolhapur, Nashik, Aurangabad, Latur, Kalyan, Pune and Nagpur zone of Maharashtra, at an aggregated value of work Rs.3,174 crore.

The Transport Services sector saw nine projectrelated tenders being floated, of these four tenders were floated by Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). BMTC invited bids for the development of Traffic & Transit Management Centres (TTMC) at various locations in Bangalore City under JNNURM at an estimated cost of Rs.303 crore. The TTMCs are being developed in order to enhance public transport, thereby reducing congestion & pollution in the city, in the long run. These centers would also act as major transportation hubs providing intermodal connectivity and would comprise of a state-of-the-art bus terminal, integrated bus maintenance facilities, park and ride facilities, passenger amenities and offices for BMTC.

During January 2008, in terms of aggregated value of work by floating tenders, Maharashtra secured the first position with 487 project-related tenders worth Rs.5,147 crore. Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar followed the list with an estimated cost of Rs.1,871 crore (for 185 tenders), Rs.1,529 crore (for 201 tenders) and Rs.1,222 crore (for 195 tenders), respectively.

Increased tendering activity during January 2008 helped Tamil Nadu to be the first amongst the top 10 project-related tendering business states in terms of number of tenders floated. In all, 685 project tenders were floated at an estimated cost of Rs.1,162 crore. The state-owned District Rural Development Agency invited 312 tenders for the improvement and strengthening of roads in various districts of Tamil Nadu.

Private Sector

The private sector saw 44 tenders floated in January 2008. They were mainly in the Power, Aluminium and Petroleum Oil & Gas sectors. Vedanta Alumina Ltd., during the month, invited 11 tenders for various contracts and services for its large upcoming aluminium complex at Lanjigarh in Orissa.

Expressions of Interest (EoIs)

In January 2008, 75 expression of interests (EoIs) were announced, relating to Roadways, Commercial Complex, Aluminium and Hospitals sectors.

Empanelment of Consultants / Contractors

During January 2008, around 10 notices were published inviting applications for the empanelment of consultants and contractors.