Indian Railways launches Online Vendor Registration system
“In line with the philosophy of the government to make systems and procedures digital and transparent, the railways has launched new online vender registration system,” the Railway Ministry said in a statement.
The new online vendor registration system has been developed by Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), the research arm of the Railways which is headquartered in Lucknow.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the move would benefit lakhs of new vendors who wish to do business with Indian Railways.
The railways said that with the launch of the new online registration system, the vendor need not come to RDSO for any activity related to his case for registration, while the process of documents scrutiny and physical verification of the vendor’s facility has been made a parallel exercise.
“With the new online system implemented by the RDSO, the vendor can now deposit registration fee, submit documents, download technical drawings and specifications and interact with RDSO online,” it said.
The ministry also said that the vendors interested in developing products and new technologies for the sector can now register with the national transporter through the year.
According to railways, it is for the first time that the RDSO has also invited expressions of interest (EOI) for all the 600 plus items — such as automatic twist locks, components for diesel locomotives and anti-friction coatings — required by the sector and kept the window open with no timelines to enable wider participation.
Here is the verified and updated overview of the Indian Railways’ online vendor registration system, a key initiative to digitize and simplify vendor onboarding through its RDSO arm:
🚀 What Is the Online Vendor Registration System?
- Launched on 9 January 2018 by RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organisation), this system moves vendor registration fully online—no physical visits required to RDSO offices. ([turn0search0]turn0search1]turn0search2])
- Operators can now:
- Submit bids via IREPS (Indian Railways E‑Procurement System)
- Upload documents and digital certificates
- Download technical specifications and drawings
- Track status of applications and receive system alerts at each stage
— all through a single unified portal. ([turn0search3]turn0search1])
✅ Key Features & Improvements
- 365-day open registration for over 600 RDSO-approved items like automatic twist locks, anti-friction coatings, diesel locomotive components, etc. ([turn0search8]turn0search1])
- Streamlined process with defined timelines and parallel verification (document scrutiny + facility inspection happen simultaneously), substantially reducing onboarding delays from months to weeks. ([turn0search1]turn0search2])
- Public access to pending vendor applications—full transparency via updates on the RDSO website and auto-alerts to stakeholders when delays occur. ([turn0search1]turn0search8])
📋 Benefits for Vendors & Railways
| Benefit for Vendors | Benefit for Railways / Public |
|---|---|
| No physical visit to RDSO office required | Faster onboarding of qualified vendors |
| Online status tracking and process alerts | Reduced monopoly; more SMEs can participate |
| Digital submission of documents & fees | Transparent process with public visibility |
| Access to drawings, spec sheets, EOI list | Improved competition and product innovation |
⚙️ How to Register (via IREPS)
- Navigate to the “Approval of Vendors” section on IREPS and log in using your account.
- You must have a Class III Digital Signature Certificate (issued in firm’s name, matching the registered address). ([turn0search3])
- Submit the vendor application online, upload required documentation, and pay registration fees digitally.
- After submission, both document verification and physical inspection begin in parallel. You’ll receive system-generated status alerts at each stage. ([turn0search3]turn0search1])
🔧 Recent Updates & Fee Reduction
- In January 2022, Railways introduced a Unified Vendor Approval System, further simplifying communications, payment processing, and progress tracking across all railway units. This platform supports integrated workflows—from vendor application to final approval. ([turn0search5])
- Application fees for RDSO vendor registration have been substantially reduced:
- Non-MSMEs: ₹2.5 lakh → ₹15,000
- MSMEs: ₹1.5 lakh → ₹10,000
→ Encouraging wider SME participation under the ‘Make in India’ policy. ([turn0search5])
🧠 Community Feedback
- Vendor recruits report smoother experiences with transparent status tracking.
- Reddit discussions note issues like occasional fraud in vendor-managed services (e.g., overcharging vendors at stations) — underscoring the need for robust vendor vetting and oversight. ([turn0reddit23]turn0reddit15])
✅ Final Takeaway
The new online vendor registration system by Indian Railways represents a significant transformation toward transparency, ease of doing business, and digital governance. By shifting from manual to fully online processes, introducing parallel verification, setting strict timelines, and reducing fees, it encourages participation from SMEs and startups, democratizes rail procurement, and strengthens accountability.
Would you like help navigating the IREPS portal, understanding technical specifications or drawing requirements, or tips on preparing your vendor application proactively?
