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SECI Invites Bids for 5 Power Transformers at Radha Nesda, Gujarat

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has issued an online tender for the turnkey supply of five 160 MVA, 220/33–33 kV power transformers with NIFPS at Radha Nesda in Gujarat, as part of efforts to strengthen grid infrastructure and support domestic manufacturing under the Make in India initiative.

The tender will be conducted through an e-reverse auction process. The tender fee has been fixed at Rs 25,000, with an earnest money deposit of Rs 1.5 crore. Successful bidders will be required to furnish a performance bank guarantee equivalent to 10% of the contract value. SECI has scheduled a pre-bid meeting for January 12, 2026, while both online and offline bid submissions will close on January 23, 2026. The bids are set to be opened on the same day, and all relevant documents, including technical specifications and schedules, are available on SECI’s portal.

Eligibility for participation is restricted to Indian companies, government-owned enterprises, or subsidiaries of foreign companies registered in India. Entities under blacklisting, liquidation, or similar proceedings are not permitted to participate. Registered micro and small enterprises under NSIC, DIC, or Udyog Aadhaar are exempt from paying the tender fee and EMD. Limited liability partnerships, proprietorships, non-governmental organisations, charitable trusts, and educational societies are not eligible to bid.

SECI has specified that bidders must be original equipment manufacturers with a minimum of seven years of experience in transformer manufacturing in India. Eligible firms must operate manufacturing facilities capable of producing 220 kV or higher-class transformers and have supplied 220 kV class transformers during the last three years. Additional requirements include ISO 9001:2015 certification, a minimum annual manufacturing capacity of 4,000 MVA, and established servicing and repair facilities within the country. Only Class-I local suppliers as defined under the Make in India policy are eligible.

Financial eligibility criteria require bidders to have an average annual turnover of at least Rs 23 crore over the past three financial years, a positive net worth, and working capital of no less than Rs 14.38 crore. Financial credentials of parent, holding, subsidiary, or affiliate companies may be considered, provided the submissions are audited and duly certified.

SECI has also allowed participation through joint ventures or consortiums comprising up to three companies. In such cases, the lead partner must meet 100% of the technical requirements and at least 50% of the financial criteria, while the remaining partners together must fulfil the entire financial eligibility. All members of the consortium will be jointly liable for contract execution, and the roles related to planning, manufacturing, supply, and training must be clearly defined. Any change in the consortium structure will require prior approval from SECI.