Vedanta Aluminium champions driver safety with free eye screening camp in Jharsuguda

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

JHARSUGUDA, MAY 29, 2025

Reinforcing its commitment to employee welfare and community well-being, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has successfully conducted a free eye screening camp for commercial and technical vehicle drivers at its Jharsuguda operations. The large-scale initiative, organised in collaboration with Trilochan Netralaya, highlighted the company’s unwavering focus on health, safety, and operational excellence.

Through this proactive endeavour, over 1,500 drivers operating across various locations within the plant premises were screened for potential vision-related issues. Individuals diagnosed with visual impairments received expert medical consultations and were provided with corrective spectacles entirely free of cost. This not only helped address existing vision challenges but also enhanced the drivers’ ability to perform their duties with greater confidence and safety.

The initiative was strategically timed with the onset of the monsoon season, when driving conditions become increasingly challenging due to heavy rains and strong winds. By focusing on eye health, Vedanta Aluminium aims to reduce risks on the road and promote the long-term well-being of its fleet operators—key enablers of its extensive logistics and supply chain network.

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Commenting on the initiative, Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer – Vedanta Aluminium, said, “At Vedanta, we consider our employees and business partners to be the most essential pillar of our operations. Our Sarathis – the dedicated drivers who help keep our supply chain smooth and seamless – are vital to our progress. This initiative is therefore another step towards ensuring their complete well-being, in line with our deep commitment to a culture of care.”

The impact of the initiative resonated strongly among participants. Gangadhar Luhar, a driver associated with the company’s operations, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I was struggling with vision issues after driving for long hours. The thorough eye tests at the camp helped diagnose a minor vision issue, and the corrective glasses I received have made a huge difference. Now, I can drive confidently with clear vision and reduced eye strain.”

The free eye screening camp is part of Vedanta Jharsuguda’s broader and ongoing commitment to health and safety. The company regularly organises health camps, awareness programs, and tailored safety initiatives for its employees and business partners. One such flagship initiative is Suraksha Sarathi — a dedicated safety awareness program for drivers operating in and around Vedanta’s operations. The program focuses on reinforcing best practices in road and occupational safety through continuous engagement and training.

In a bid to further strengthen driver safety, Vedanta has also established a state-of-the-art simulation training centre for Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) and Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) drivers. These initiatives reflect the company’s steadfast focus on creating a secure and supportive environment for drivers, who play a pivotal role in the seamless functioning of its operations.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, produced 2.42 million tonnes of aluminium in FY25, accounting for over half of India’s aluminium output. The company is a leader in value-added aluminium products catering to critical applications across core industries. Notably, Vedanta Aluminium ranks 2nd globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the aluminium industry — testament to its commitment to sustainable development.

With world-class aluminium smelters, an alumina refinery, and power plants in India, Vedanta Aluminium continues to drive innovation, sustainability, and community engagement as it positions aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.