A Comprehensive Analysis of Signage Procurement Trends in Indian Government

Signage is a term which encompasses the design, control and regulation of any type of sign or visual communication equipment within the context of public spaces, government buildings, transportation systems and facilities which are owned by the government. These signs can include directional signs, informational signs, traffic regulations and symbols considered to convey significant messages to the citizens. Government signage is of great importance in maintaining public safety, providing citizens with information, marketing government services and preserving order within government owned places and public spaces.
Indian government entities published a total of 4450 signage tenders in the past 12 months ie., from Jan 2023 to Jan 2024, compiled by Tendersniper from various public sources. Among these, Uttar Pradesh led with 560 tenders, followed by West Bengal with 354 tenders, and Jammu and Kashmir with 347 tenders. These procurement activities are undertaken in a wide range of sectors, including infra and planning, rural development and industry. This report analyzes two prominent types of signage tenders: LED signages and road traffic signboards.
LED signage
LED signs are those which use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as the source of illumination. Such information can be presented in different ways from text to image or animation and is commonly used for advertising, wayfinding or information display. LED signage is common as it is energy-efficient, bright, durable and the design is flexible.
With regard to the preceding year in 2023, a total of 1004 tenders were issued for LED signage which includes different types of sign and one is LED Backlit Boards. LED backlit panels are preferred for their high energy-efficiency, long lifespan, and in characteristic ability of making clear images and high quality images. Thus, the Indian Army (IA) issued tenders for Acrylic Sheet LED Backlit Boards and LED Backlit Ordnance Logo Signage Display Boards. Also, the ECR issued the tenders for signs backlit with frames drawn out on vinyl sheets, and evenly mounted with LED fittings. Likewise, invitations were floated by the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport for the provision and installation of LED Backlit Sign Boards at Nagpur Terminal Building. In addition to that, DDP published tenders on LED Backlit Display Boards, and BHEL advertised tenders on 65 inch LED Backlit Large Display Screen for diverse projects.
The subsequent type of LED sign is the LED glow sign board which is lit with LED lights and is commonly used for advertising or information display purposes. Such boards are distinguished by bright and amazing looks which help to capture the viewers, even a place with lesser light. For instance, Central Public Works Department (CPWD) issued tenders for provision and mounting of LED glow signboards for the MI Room, whereas the Odisha State Museum advertised tenders for supply, installation, testing and commissioning of LED base glow signboards with English letters. Similarily, procurement for the mounting of LED glow signage letters floated by Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) for CPRI’s CMBL Lab Roof. The Indian Army also released tenders for acrylic letter LED lights glow signs at the CE Hospital’s entrance gates, meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) published tenders for supply and install of LED glow signage (channel letter) with ACP 4mm thickness for the Transport Nagar Metro Station in Lucknow.
An outdoor LED display board is a strong signage solution destined for outdoor conditions. It utilizes LED technology to produce bright and conspicuous displays and assure high visibility even in direct sunlight. These boards are used in advertising, relaying of messages and communication of important information in public places. They offer weatherproof as well as durable features able to stand against various harsh outdoor conditions like rain, wind, and sunrays. The variety of outdoor LED displays offer a reliable and dynamic way of the target audience reaching outdoors. For instance, Central Public Works Department (CPWD) issued tenders for the provision of weatherproofed 3D LED signboards for ISO numbers at the main entrance of ZSI office buildings. while the Karnataka Directorate of Municipal Administration published tenders for the supply and installation of pole mounted, outdoor LED display boards within TMC Narasipura limits. Along with this, Agra Development Authority issued tenders for procurement, installation, operation and maintenance services for ten outdoor LED screens, and Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) released tenders for outdoor P4 LED display boards along with windows-based video wall controllers according to the specifications.
Other than the earlier mentioned types of LED signs, the State Bank of India (SBI) has put out tenders for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of LED digital signage at five branches of the State Bank of India under the Guwahati Circle. Andhra Pradesh Road Building department also released bids for providing ACP LED box signage with acrylic letters mounted on MS frames and daylight panel roof at the Primary Health Center building. The Delhi Agriculture Marketing Board issued a tender for the furnishing, fixing, testing and commissioning of the 2 x 6 feet multicolor LED scrolling display board (P4). This display board will have the word “WELCOME” in four languages placed on it which will form part of a video wall and it will ensure that it is durable in all weather conditions (IP66) and it satisfies all the site requirements.
Road Traffic Sign Boards
Traffic sign boards are indispensable parts of the traffic control and safety management on public roads. These boards provide essential information to drivers, pedestrians, etc. They coordinate traffic, give directions, warn of danger and enforce traffic rules & regulations. The government bodies that deal with transport and infrastructure to include the departments of transportation and public works oversee the installation, maintenance and compliance of road traffic signs. Often, these agencies use standardized guidelines and regulations to maintain uniformity and effectiveness in signage placement and design, this undertaking enhances road safety and traffic control.
In the previous year of 2023, there were 2082 tenders issued concerning road traffic signage. Road safety involves various measures undertaken for reducing an occurrence of accidents, injuries and casualties on roads. This endeavor entails diverse activities comprising works on road design, traffic signs and signals installation, traffic laws enforcement, as well as driver, pedestrian and cyclist training and awareness programs. For instance, government agencies like PWD UK have published tenders requirements to set up crash barriers, delineators, parapets, and signboards in village roads under the Road Safety Scheme in CD PWD Kapkot Constituency, Kapkot. NHAI invited bidders for constructing as well as installing road safety appurtenances in accident prone locations on Lalghati to Mubarakpur section of NH 12 ( Package 1 ). The Kakinada Municipal Corporation published tenders for the provision of road safety interventions on the NTR Bridge and its approaches in the 30th Division of Kakinada Municipal Corporation. Besides, the Chief Engineer, PWD Central Zone Lucknow, advertised tenders for the safety works at the Semri Bhan blackspot on the Bilraya Panwari Road (SH – 21).
Along with the projects mentioned above, the Surat Municipal Corporation advertised tenders for the laying and fixing of pavement markings, road studs and road signages amongst other traffic safety measures. The PWD Goa published tenders for providing hump-type speed breakers and sign boards on internal roads falling in the jurisdiction of V.P.Betal Niranikal in Shiroda constituency. Kerala PWD called tenders for traffic safety works on different roads under Section No.2 Idukki-2023-24. In addition, the Indian Army invited tenders for information traffic signages. Also, the Allahabad Chief Engineer PWD announced tenders for road marking and signage work using thermoplastic paint on the Koraon Devghat Drummondganj Road.
As of March 3, 2024, there are 276 live sign board tenders in India. There are 94 tenders from Uttar Pradesh, which makes up 34%. West Bengal is ranked second with 59 tenders, constituting 21%. There are 30 tenders from Delhi, occupying 11 percent of the total. Maharashtra has released 25 tenders, amounting to 9%. Lastly, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana stand at 24 tenders and 23 tenders, totaling up to 9% and 8% of the entire tenders.
This analysis shows that the government agencies in India have advertised a large number of signage tenders during the last year. With organizations and businesses paying more attention to the need for unique messaging and increased grab, the need for creative signage designs also becomes necessary. In addition, technology advancements like LED displays and digital signage have led to a revolution in the signage industry, providing more and better ways of communication. Thus, manufacturers and distributors actively bid in signage tenders in India so they can seize potential business deals.