An Analysis of CCTV System Tenders in India

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) refers to a system of surveillance cameras, monitors, and recorders used for monitoring and recording activities in a specific area. CCTV systems are widely employed for security, safety, and surveillance purposes in various settings, including public spaces, businesses, and government facilities. These systems consist of cameras strategically placed to capture visual data, which is then transmitted to monitors or recording devices. CCTV serves as a deterrent to potential criminal activities, aids in investigations, and enhances overall security by providing real-time monitoring or recorded footage for review. The technology has evolved with advancements such as IP-based CCTV and artificial intelligence-assisted camera surveillance, enabling remote access, intelligent video analytics, facial recognition, and higher-resolution imaging.

This analysis shows that government agencies in India actively procure and install CCTV to ensure public safety.  CCTV is installed for surveillance in transportation hubs such as airports and train stations. CCTV is also installed in government owned educational institutions, healthcare facilities, entertainment venues, and critical infrastructure installations. This proactive deployment of surveillance systems acts as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhances law enforcement capabilities, and safeguards critical public infrastructure.

According to the data compiled by Tendersniper from multiple public sources, Indian government agencies collectively issued 12835 tenders for CCTV in the last 12 months (October 2022 – October 2023). Maharashtra leads with 1668 tenders, comprising around 12% of the total, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 1366 tenders. These procurement opportunities are advertised by government agencies across diverse sectors, including rural development, education, infra and planning, power and defence. A further sector-wise breakdown of CCTV tenders is provided below.

In the rural sector, government agencies like Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Panchayati Raj Department, and RDD-CEO-RAIGAD released tenders for the installation of CCTV cameras. Furthermore, the Rural Development Directorate issued tenders for Pan, Tilt and Zoom (PTZ) cameras. Additionally, over the past year, the Local Self Government Department, the Directorate of Panchayat, and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission also published tenders for the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning (SITC) of CCTV systems. Out of the 12835 tenders advertised in the last year, 1296 (10.09%) were published by the rural development sector.

Various education institutions in India acquired CCTV systems for many of the 10,22,386 government schools and 9073 government colleges in India. For instance, the Madhya Pradesh District School Education Department issued tenders for procurement of CCTV cameras along with accessories. Higher education departments such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Chanakya National Law University, and Mahatma Gandhi University purchased CCTV cameras for surveillance and sought to maintain the installed CCTV systems. Among the 12,835 tenders released in the past year, 986 (7.68%) originated from the education sector.

Government agencies responsible for law enforcement and national defense, like the Central Armed Police Forces and Defence Research and Development Organisation released tenders for CCTV systems to strengthen security, monitor vital areas, and enhance emergency response. Examples of these tenders include requests for 2MP entry bullet network cameras, CCTV bundle toolkits, and comprehensive annual maintenance for CCTV security surveillance systems in that area. Furthermore, the Indian Army issued tenders for day and night CCTV cameras, and the Ministry of Defence published tenders for Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted camera surveillance.

Safety and security is a critical requirement in the banking sector. Several government owned banks called for closed circuit television tenders to prioritize the safety of customers and staff and foster a secure and reliable banking environment. Government financial institutions, including the Reserve Bank of India, released tenders for the procurement of IP cameras, box-type, and dome-type IP indoor cameras with varifocal lenses. Similarly, the Indian Overseas Bank issued tenders for a Network Video Recorder (NVR)  based CCTV system, while other agencies such as the State Bank of India, UCO Bank, and Bank of Baroda also invited tenders for the empanelment of firms providing CCTV systems.

A few other sectors, including sports, railway, and industry, have undertaken initiatives to enhance security. Notably, government entities such as the Central Public Works Department released tenders for IP-based day/night autochangeable CCTV surveillance systems. RCF has published tenders for closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance systems tailored for Indian railway coaches. The Indian Oil Corporation Limited issued tenders for an explosion-proof CCTV system, while the Sports Kerala Foundation released tenders for an IP-based CCTV networking system.

As of December 26th, 2023, there are currently 276 active tenders for CCTV. Among these, Maharashtra leads with 68 tenders, comprising 25%, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 43 tenders at 16%, West Bengal with 35 tenders at 13%, Madhya Pradesh with 34 tenders at 12%, Rajasthan with 33 tenders at 12%, Jammu and Kashmir with 32 tenders at 12%, and Gujarat with 31 tenders at 11% of the total. This distribution highlights that the government agencies across India advertised for CCTV and such surveillance system tenders.

This analysis underscores a substantial demand for CCTV among government entities and PSUs across various sectors in India. CCTV surveillance is evolving with advancements such as higher resolution, digital storage, remote monitoring, and integration. Ongoing developments in CCTV technology aim to enhance features like artificial intelligence (AI) integration for intelligent video analytics, facial recognition, and improved connectivity options. With rising demand, advancing technology, and numerous annual CCTV tenders, the government sector is impossible to ignore. It is recommended that manufacturers and distributors of IP cameras, dome cameras, CC cameras, and bullet cameras, along with those providing temporary basis services, actively monitor CCTV tenders and participate in them.