An HVAC system, an acronym for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, functions as a technology utilized to manage the indoor climate and air quality in a designated area or building. At its core, an HVAC system intakes air, adjusts its temperature, and circulates it within an indoor space. This space can range from a single room to an entire building, encompassing various structures like houses, offices, schools, airports, or even submarines. Additionally, HVAC incorporates Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) and Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) technology, employing variable-speed compressors to modulate the refrigerant flow based on the heating or cooling requirements of different zones. Beyond the primary task of conditioning and circulating air to ensure comfort indoors, HVAC systems can enhance air quality by passing it through filters that eliminate dust, particles, spores, bacteria, and viruses.
This analysis shows that government agencies in India actively procure HVAC systems to establish a comfortable, healthful, and efficient indoor environment for various facilities. These encompass residential buildings, commercial spaces, and industrial facilities, along with specific structures such as museums, sports halls, administrative buildings, canteen buildings, switchyards, and demineralization Plants. The following types of HVAC tenders are published: central heating systems, central air conditioning systems, and chilled water piping insulation. According to data compiled by Tendersniper from various public sources, Indian government agencies collectively released 2091 tenders specifically for HVAC systems in the past year, covering the period from November 2022 to November 2023. Notably, Delhi and Maharashtra emerged as key contributors, accounting for 16% (337 tenders) and 9% (194 tenders) of the total, respectively.
The infrastructure and planning sector play a crucial role in the procurement of HVAC systems. The Central Public Works Department released 265 HVAC tenders, covering tasks such as the repair and maintenance of HVAC systems for different buildings, as well as the maintenance and operation of the VRF system and the painting of HVAC pipe lines in the Central AC Plant System. Additionally, Public Works Department issued 173 VRF system tenders for the annual comprehensive maintenance of VRF Systems installed in the school building. Furthermore, the Military Engineer Services (MES) released 93 tenders, encompassing both central air conditioning systems, packaged terminal air conditioning systems, and heat pump systems. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries also extended invitations for tenders regarding the replacement of HVAC chiller lines and chilled air conditioning split units, along with their installation. Similarly, the Military Engineer Services issued Central AC tenders for repair or replacement of a central AC plant and related works at AF Adampur, and the repair or maintenance of desert coolers and water coolers.
Many tenders are published for installation of HVAC systems in multi-purpose indoor halls constructed by the Government. These halls are used to organize official and cultural events, meetings, and functions like weddings and sports events. About 14 tenders were advertised for installation of HVAC in multi-purpose halls. For instance, the Central Public Works Department issued a tender for the operation and comprehensive maintenance of ductable and packaged air conditioning systems installed at Sakshi Malik & Multi-Purpose Hall of SAI, NRC Sonepat. As the economy grows, the number of multi-purpose halls constructed by the government is likely to increase. Consequently, the requirement for HVAC installation in such set-ups will grow in the future.
HVAC set-up is being established in the higher education sector as well, as detailed below: A total of 79 tenders were published for HVAC installation in colleges. For example, West Bengal Medical Services Corporation Limited advertised a tender for the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of HVAC systems in the TB Lab, Bacteriology Lab, and Extraction Room, establishing the District Integrated Public Health Laboratory (DIPHL) at Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital in the district of Murshidabad. In a similar vein, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras released a tender specifically for the acquisition of HVAC systems designed for clean classrooms. Likewise, Gujarat University invited a tender covering interior, HVAC, and associated works for the Research Park at Gujarat University. Simultaneously, the Chandigarh administration extended invitations for tenders related to the repair of outdoor/indoor units of the VRF System at the Library of Punjab Engineering College.
HVAC includes not only the cooling systems but also the heating systems. Though most of the regions in India are warm, there are many cold regions as well which require heating systems. This demand for heating systems is illustrated by the 159 tenders published by the government agencies. Out of the 159 tenders, 48 are for central heating systems. These heating systems are installed in government agencies such as hospitals, health centers, staff quarters, administrative departments, medical colleges. For example, the Tourism Department of Jammu and Kashmir issued tenders for the restoration and upgrading of the Central Heating System in the VIP Hut. Another instance is the PWD, Himachal Pradesh invited a tender for the operation and maintenance of the chiller system and central heating system in Atal Super Specialty Hospital at Chamiyana in Shimla for a duration of one year. Furthermore, the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir published a tender for Insulated Ducting for the Central Heating System.
The HVAC systems play a significant role in maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for patients, staff, and visitors in hospitals. With the operation of 23,581 multi-specialty hospitals in India overseen by government agencies, there is a growing need for HVAC systems. These systems are increasingly sought after to meet the rising demand for both central cooling and central heating, based on regional requirements. For instance, the Department of Health and Family Welfare actively engaged in a project to provide and install an HVAC system in the Burn and Injury unit at DH Jalandhar, including maintenance services for the AC plant at the Mother and Child Care Building of the hospital. Noteworthy tenders in this domain include the Supply, Installation, Testing, and Commissioning (SITC) of the outdoor unit of VRV system for the Trauma Centre OT at SMS Hospital in Jaipur, issued by PWD – CE AND AS – Rajasthan. Similarly, PWD in Himachal Pradesh advertised tenders for the running and operation of the HVAC system installed in the 500 Bedded Hospital Dr. RPGMC Kangra at Tanda for a period of six months. Additionally, the Project Implementation Unit in Gujarat released tenders for the annual operation and all-inclusive maintenance of the HVAC system (Chilled Water based, 1200 TR capacity) with High-Side, Low-Side, and Ventilation Systems at GMERS Hospital, Himmatnagar.
HVAC systems are being installed in the AC coaches operated by the Ministry of Railways. For instance, Northern Railway issued a tender for the robotic cleaning of air ducts in AC coaches, ozone sterilization during POH. Considering India’s extensive railway network, ranking as the fourth largest globally with over 22,593 operating trains, and with a specific focus on expanding the number of AC coaches, there is a heightened potential for an increased demand in HVAC systems to be installed in railway coaches.
There is a significant demand for repair and maintenance work of HVAC systems. A total of 211 such tenders were advertised. For instance, the New Okla Industrial Development Authority (NOIDA) in Uttar Pradesh published a tender to strengthen the HVAC system at Noida Club. Additionally, the Military Engineer Services (MES) issued tenders for the repair/replacement of the central AC plant and associated works at AF Adampur and the comprehensive maintenance/repair of the central package/chiller water AC plant at INS Dronacharya under GE Fort Kochi. Moreover, the Public Works Department (PWD) in Tripura released a tender for the repair and Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC) of the VRF Variable Refrigerant Flow AC System at Charak Building, ABV Regional Cancer Center, Agartala
As of January 1st, 2024, there are presently 67 ongoing tenders for HVAC systems. In this distribution, Delhi is at the forefront with 14 tenders, representing 21% of the total. Maharashtra follows closely with 12 tenders, constituting 18%. Both Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh have 10 tenders each, contributing 15% individually. Andra Pradesh, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir each have 7 tenders, making up 10% each. This pattern of active tenders reflects a broad demand for HVAC systems spanning diverse regions in India.
This analysis underscores a substantial demand for HVAC systems across various sectors of Indian government agencies and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). With the country persistently prioritizing infrastructure development and environmental concerns, the HVAC sector is positioned for continuous growth and evolution. It is recommended that the manufacturers and distributors of HVAC systems actively monitor and participate in relevant tenders, thereby gaining numerous business opportunities arising from this demand.