India's state-owned Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) is evaluating tenders after seeking bids for 49 reachstackers.

The tender closed last month, with CONCOR issuing a detailed 109-page tender specification for the vehicles required at various ports.

The purchase is expected to be valued in the region of INR144.84 Crores (USD22,497,800)

Specifically, CONCOR is seeking "Heavy Duty Self-Propelled Power Laden Container Handlers (Reach Stackers) with Telescopic Boom and Lift Frame for handling loaded ISO containers of 20ft. and 40 ft. length". 

The detailed requirement includes a specification that the engine "should be of reputed make such as VOLVO or Cummins, or Caterpillar, etc. It should be provided with electronic fuel injection and control system. The turbo charger used in the engine should be proven design and have higher MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) in the Indian Operating conditions mentioned (earlier in the tender document)."

Among the safety requirements are an anti-tipping device with automatic hydraulic cut-off system, brake systems to be provided with fail-safe engagement in case of pressure drop, load management system and overload protection, rear camera with display monitor in the cabin, and telematics for a wireless asset management system capable of remote monitoring of various KPIs.

CONCOR was incorporated in March 1988 under the Companies Act and commenced operation from November 1989, taking over the existing network of seven distribution centres from the Indian Railways. It now boasts the largest network of 68 centres in India. In addition to providing inland transport by rail for containers, it has also expanded to cover management of ports, air cargo complexes and establishing cold-chain.

There is no indication of which companies have submitted bids, nor which will be selected to go through to a second round of evaluations.