The railways will launch shortly its redesigned e-tendering system with more user-friendly new features to facilitate digital participation of over 60,000 vendors.
The redesigned e-tendering system part of the complete digitisation of supply chain will have vendor interface module to benefit vendors with online vendor registration and inspection call and contract amendment process.
Besides, the system would facilitate auto-alerts, processes relating to acceptance of supplied material and its payments and also include vendor grievance redressal process, the official said.
The railway supply chain supports activities of production, asset acquisition, periodic overhaul and maintenance of rolling stock, tracks, stations, signalling and telecom network, among others.
While several vendor-related processes and documents are also going to be digitised, efforts are also on to enable vendors to submit online bills and ensure seamless payment.
The digitised supply chain provides single window access for entire supply chain process, 24×7 global and easy reach in real time, savings of time, cost and efforts, online payments for tender cost and earnest money deposit.
The official said digitisation of railway supply chain began with e tendering in its procurement and e-auction in its sale of scrap.
Currently scrap material worth more than Rs 2,700 crore is sold through 100 per cent e-auctions annually.
Payment towards earnest money deposit is collected through e-payment gateway.