Tendering activity by government bodies remained muted during the first ten months of FY2010 due to negative growth reported in overall tender inflow. During April-January FY10, the total worth of tenders invited by government bodies declined 33% to Rs564 billion from Rs845 billion reported in the same period last year, said RBS in a research note.

The all-around dip in tenders due to the high base effect created in the final year of the previous government was expected. However, instability issues witnessed in key states like Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra accentuated the situation during the reported period.

The high base effect from last year has lowered general tendering growth, but the benefit to leading construction firms from National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) activity is now visible.

The average tender size has also fallen from Rs0.82 billion to Rs0.79 billion. Similarly, the number of tenders invited has also fallen from 1,026 to 714 registering a negative growth of 30% over the same period a year ago.

RBS said that major negative growth in tender inflows was noticed in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. During the first ten months of the current fiscal year, the total worth of tender inflows in Andhra Pradesh has fallen by 83% to Rs12.20 billion from Rs70.30 billion reported last year. Similarly, the total worth of order inflows for Gujarat tumbled by 91% to Rs3.20 billion from Rs36.30 billion.

However, states like Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan have reported a positive growth in order inflow. The total worth of order inflow for Chhattisgarh has increased to Rs24.80 billion from Rs11.80 billion while Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan reported a modest growth of 16% and 18%, respectively, the report added.
— Moneylife Digital Team