Western Railway FLS Tender: Your Ultimate Guide (2025)
Western Railway has announced a significant infrastructure project. This project offers a massive opportunity for engineering and survey firms. The tender, CAO-C-Works-FLS-DPR-3, calls for a Final Location Survey (FLS) for major doubling and quadrupling of railway lines. This is a high-value contract demanding precision and expertise. If you’re looking to bid on this lucrative Western Railway FLS tender, you need a clear strategy. This comprehensive guide will break down every aspect of the tender. We will cover the scope, eligibility, financials, and bidding process. This will help you prepare a compliant and competitive bid.
This article simplifies the complex tender document. It provides actionable insights to navigate the requirements successfully. We will explore the technical specifications, financial commitments, and crucial compliance details. By the end, you will have a clear roadmap to position your firm as a top contender for this prestigious project. Let’s dive into the details.
What is the Western Railway FLS Tender? An Overview
This tender is not just another survey job. It is a foundational step for a massive capacity expansion on one of India’s busiest rail networks. Understanding the core details is the first step toward a successful bid.
The project, officially titled “Carrying out Final Location Survey(FLS) for Doubling/Quadrupling over Western Railway,” is an open tender. It utilizes a Two Packet Bidding System. This means your technical and financial bids will be submitted and evaluated separately.
Here are the critical details at a glance:
- Tender Number: CAO-C-Works-FLS-DPR-3
- Work Description: Final Location Survey (FLS) for Doubling/Quadrupling projects.
- Advertised Value: ₹138,196,773.00 (approximately ₹13.82 Crore)
- Earnest Money Deposit (EMD): ₹841,000.00
- Period of Completion: 12 Months
- Contract Type: Works – General
- Tender Closing Date: 18/06/2025 at 15:00
- Bidding Start Date: 04/06/2025
- Offer Validity: 90 Days
- Joint Ventures (JV): Allowed (up to 3 members)
- Consortiums: Not Allowed
This project is managed by the CAO-C-WR-ENGINEERING department of Western Railway. Its significant value and 12-month completion period signal a fast-paced, high-stakes undertaking.
Understanding the Scope of Work
The core of this tender is the Final Location Survey (FLS). The project covers a vast stretch of 891 kilometers. The goal is to prepare for the construction of new lines, including doubling, third lines, and even 3rd & 4th lines.
The winning bidder will be responsible for a composite set of tasks. This includes preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPR), conducting Geotechnical Investigations, and planning for associated works. The work is divided into four main engineering disciplines, detailed in specific annexures.
The Four Pillars of the Project
The survey and reporting must be comprehensive. It needs to cover all aspects required to move from planning to construction.
- Civil Engineering Works (Annexure-A): This is the primary component. It involves detailed land surveys, topographical mapping, and identifying the final alignment for the new tracks. This will likely involve modern techniques like Drone and LiDAR surveys.
- S&T Engineering Works (Annexure-B): This involves planning for the new Signaling and Telecommunication infrastructure. You must identify locations for signals, relay rooms, and communication cables that align with the new tracks.
- Electrical Engineering Works (Annexure-C): This covers the planning for electrical systems. This includes general power supply and, most importantly, the Overhead Equipment (OHE) for electric locomotives.
- Operating Works (Annexure-D): This component focuses on the operational feasibility of the new lines. It includes planning for station yard remodeling, new platforms, and ensuring smooth train movement post-construction.
A crucial note in the tender specifies that only one single rate per kilometer is payable, even for combined 3rd & 4th line sections. This emphasizes the need for efficient and integrated surveying across all disciplines. The Final Location Survey process must be seamless to ensure all data is consistent and accurate.
Are You Eligible? Decoding the Technical Criteria
Meeting the eligibility criteria is the most critical hurdle. Railways have strict standards to ensure only capable firms undertake such important projects. Failure to meet any one of these can lead to immediate disqualification.
Meeting the Technical Criteria for the Western Railway FLS Tender
The tender has very specific requirements for past work experience. These are designed to gauge your firm’s ability to handle a project of this scale and technological complexity.
The “Similar Work” Definition
First, you must understand what the Railways consider “similar work.” For this tender, the definition is clear and modern:
- “Any Civil Engineering Survey work using Drone/Lidar photogrammetry technique.”
This definition is vital. It means traditional ground-based survey experience alone might not be sufficient. You must demonstrate proven expertise in using advanced aerial survey technologies. This is a non-negotiable requirement, and you must upload PDF copies of work experience certificates to prove it.
The 7-Year Experience Rule (The 30/40/60% Rule)
Your firm must have completed similar works within the last seven years. The seven-year period ends on the last day of the month before the tender invitation. The value of these past projects is benchmarked against the advertised value of this tender (₹13.82 Crore).
You must meet one of the following three conditions:
- Three Similar Works: You have completed three similar works, each costing at least 30% of the advertised value.
- Calculation: 30% of ₹138,196,773.00 = ₹41,459,031.90
- Two Similar Works: You have completed two similar works, each costing at least 40% of the advertised value.
- Calculation: 40% of ₹138,196,773.00 = ₹55,278,692.20
- One Similar Work: You have completed one similar work costing at least 60% of the advertised value.
- Calculation: 60% of ₹138,196,773.00 = ₹82,918,063.80
These are substantial figures. Therefore, only firms with a proven track record in large-scale, tech-driven surveys will qualify.
Joint Ventures (JVs) vs. Consortiums
The tender provides flexibility for firms to collaborate.
- Joint Ventures (JVs) are allowed. You can form a JV with up to two other members (for a total of three). This is an excellent strategy if your firm excels in one area (like Drone surveys) but needs a partner to meet the financial or civil engineering criteria.
- Consortiums are not allowed. It is crucial to understand the legal difference. A JV is a specific business entity formed for the project, where all members are jointly and severally liable. A consortium is a looser arrangement, which is not permitted here.
Work Experience Certificates: What’s Accepted?
The source of your work experience certificate is critical.
- Government Organizations: Certificates from any government body (Central, State, PSU) are readily accepted.
- Public Listed Companies: Certificates from private entities are also considered, but under strict conditions. The company must be publicly listed on the NSE or BSE. Moreover, it must have an average annual turnover of over ₹500 crore for the last three financial years. The company also must have been registered for at least five years.
- Private Individual Certificates: Certificates from private individuals will not be considered.
If you submit a certificate from a public listed company, you must provide extensive supporting documentation. This includes the work order, bill of quantities (BoQ), chartered accountant-certified payment details, and TDS certificates. This ensures the experience claimed is verifiable and legitimate.
Navigating the Financials: Bidding and Payments
A solid technical proposal is only half the battle. You must also understand the financial mechanics of this Western Railway FLS tender.
The Bidding System
- Two Packet System: This system separates the technical evaluation from the financial one.
- Packet 1 (Technical Bid): This contains all your eligibility documents, technical proposals, declarations, and EMD. The railway will first open and evaluate this packet. Only bidders who qualify technically will have their financial bids opened.
- Packet 2 (Financial Bid): This contains your financial offer. For this tender, it is a “Single Rate for Each Schedule.” You will quote a single rate per kilometer for the 891 km of work.
- Ranking Order: Bids will be ranked from Lowest to Highest (L1). The contract is typically awarded to the bidder who is technically qualified and has quoted the lowest rate.
Key Financial Commitments
- Earnest Money Deposit (EMD): You must submit ₹841,000.00 as EMD. This deposit serves as a security to the Railways. It ensures that you will not withdraw your bid before its validity period expires or refuse to sign the contract if awarded. The EMD is typically refunded to unsuccessful bidders.
- Tender Document Cost: There is no cost for the tender document. You can download it for free from the IREPS portal, which is a positive for all potential bidders.
- Offer Validity: Your submitted bid must remain valid for 90 days from the tender opening date. You cannot change your quoted rates during this period.
The tender mentions that details regarding the mode of payment are available in Chapter-10 of the annexed document. Typically, for such large works contracts, payments are milestone-based. This could mean payments are released upon completion of specific stages, such as the submission of a draft DPR, completion of geotechnical investigation, or final submission of all reports.
The Bidding Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Successfully navigating the Indian railway tenders portal, IREPS, requires attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your submission is flawless.
Step 1: Find and Download the Tender
All information and documents are available on the Indian Railways e-Procurement System (IREPS).
- Portal: www.ireps.gov.in
- Action: Search for Tender No: CAO-C-Works-FLS-DPR-3. Download all associated documents, including the main tender document, annexures, and any corrigenda. Read every single page carefully.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents (A Checklist)
Create a master folder for this tender. Organize and prepare all required documents well in advance of the deadline.
- Technical Experience Documents:
- Work experience certificates for “similar work.”
- Annexure-F, properly filled out.
- Supporting documents for private company certificates (Work Order, BoQ, CA certificates, TDS).
- Financial Documents:
- Proof of EMD submission.
- Your financial bid (Single Rate) prepared for online submission.
- JV Documents (If Applicable):
- Legally sound, notarized JV agreement outlining the roles and responsibilities of each member.
- Statutory and Compliance Documents:
- Signed and scanned copies of all pages of the tender document.
- A signed declaration that the downloaded document has not been altered.
- Declaration that you are not blacklisted or debarred.
- Certificate of compliance with the “Make in India” policy.
- Certificate regarding restrictions on procurement from bidders of countries sharing a land border with India. If you are from such a country, you must provide proof of registration with the competent authority.
Step 3: Understand and Submit the Declarations
The tender document includes a list of 10 declarations that you must agree to. These are legally binding statements.
Key Declarations to Note:
- You have read and accepted all tender conditions.
- The documents you are submitting are authentic and not misleading.
- You understand that your offer will be evaluated based on the submitted credentials.
- You are not blacklisted by Railways or any Government of India department.
Consequences of False Declarations:
The consequences are severe. If any information is found to be false or forged at any stage, it can lead to:
- Forfeiture of your EMD.
- Summary rejection of your bid.
- Termination of the contract (if awarded).
- Forfeiture of the Performance Guarantee and Security Deposit.
- Banning of business for up to two years.
Honesty and accuracy are paramount. Double-check every single document and declaration before submission.
Key Policies and Compliance to Note
Modern government tenders are guided by national policies. This Western Railway FLS tender is no exception.
- Public Procurement (Make in India) Order 2017: This policy promotes domestic manufacturing and service provision. You will likely need to certify your compliance, indicating the extent of local content in your services. Familiarize yourself with the latest version of this order.
- Procurement through GeM: The Tender Inviting Authority has certified that this tender does not violate GFR provisions regarding procurement through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). This is more of an internal compliance check but is good to be aware of.
- Restrictions on Bidders from Border-Sharing Countries: This is a critical national security-related clause. Bidders from a country that shares a land border with India must be registered with the competent authority. You must certify your status in this regard. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions that bidders may have about this tender.
What exactly is a Final Location Survey (FLS)?
A Final Location Survey is the last and most detailed survey conducted before the construction of a new railway line begins. It finalizes the exact alignment of the tracks, including gradients, curves, and the precise location of bridges, tunnels, stations, and other infrastructure. It generates all the data needed for the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
What is the two-packet bidding system?
It’s a process that ensures technical capability is assessed before price. Bidders submit two sealed envelopes (or digital packets): one with technical documents and one with the financial price. The railway authority first opens the technical packets. Only those who meet the technical and eligibility criteria are deemed qualified. Then, the financial packets of only the qualified bidders are opened. This prevents price from influencing the technical evaluation.
Can my company bid if we’ve only worked for private clients?
Yes, but with strict conditions. The private client must be a Public Listed Company on the NSE or BSE with an average annual turnover of over ₹500 crore in the last 3 years. You must also provide comprehensive proof of work, including work orders, payment details certified by a CA, and TDS certificates.
What happens if I make a mistake in my tender documents?
Even minor mistakes can lead to your bid being considered “non-responsive” and rejected. This is why meticulous preparation is key. Common mistakes include failing to sign a page, submitting an incorrect EMD amount, or not providing all the required supporting documents for your experience claims.
Is forming a Joint Venture (JV) a good idea for this tender?
A JV can be an excellent strategy. This project requires expertise in advanced surveys (Drone/LiDAR), substantial civil engineering knowledge, and strong financial standing. If your firm is strong in one area but lacks in another, partnering with a complementary firm through a JV can create a much stronger, more compliant bid.
How is the lowest bidder (L1) determined?
The L1 bidder is the one who is technically qualified and quotes the lowest “Single Rate per KM.” Since the total quantity is fixed at 891 km, the bidder with the lowest per-kilometer rate will have the lowest overall financial bid, making them L1.
Conclusion: Your Next Steps to Participate This Contract
The Western Railway FLS tender is a landmark opportunity. With an advertised value of over ₹13.82 Crore, it represents a significant contract for any firm in the surveying and engineering sector. The project’s emphasis on modern technology like Drone and LiDAR surveys signals the future direction of railway infrastructure development in India.
The path to success lies in meticulous preparation. The eligibility criteria are strict, the scope is comprehensive, and the documentation requirements are extensive. However, they are also clearly defined. By breaking down the tender document, creating a thorough checklist, and ensuring every single clause is addressed, you can build a powerful and compliant bid.
Start today. Download the documents from IREPS. Scrutinize your firm’s work experience against the 30/40/60% rule. If a Joint Venture is the right path, begin discussions with potential partners immediately. Do not underestimate the time required to gather and verify every piece of information.
Ready to prepare your bid? Start by meticulously gathering your documents and cross-referencing every clause. Don’t leave it to the last minute! Share your questions or experiences with railway tenders in the comments below. Let’s build the future of Indian Railways together.
