Vedanta Aluminium’s advanced logistics network transports over 55 million tonnes of cargo in FY25

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, 11 AUGUST 2025

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, is operating one of the nation’s most sophisticated and high-volume logistics networks, having transported over 55 million tonnes of raw materials and finished aluminium products in FY2024-25 (FY25). For perspective, Indian Railways moved about 1,617 million tonnes of freight in the same period, making Vedanta Aluminium’s share nearly 4 per cent of that total — an exceptional achievement for a private-sector player.

With core operations across Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh, the company’s logistics ecosystem is a showcase of scale, precision, and sustainability. It handles alumina from its captive refinery in Lanjigarh, coal from nearby mines, and premium aluminium products destined for domestic and international markets. Vedanta Aluminium maintains a presence in nearly every major Indian port and is the largest container cargo exporter from Paradip Port, one of the country’s busiest maritime hubs. As one of India’s top exporters, it ships to over 100 destinations across six continents, strengthening the nation’s ‘Make in India’ vision to emerge as a global manufacturing and trade powerhouse.

Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, logistics is a strategic enabler of our industrial leadership, sustainability goals, and nation-building mission. With an environment-first approach, we have developed one of India’s most advanced and future-ready logistics systems, handling over 55 million tonnes of cargo, with plans to scale up to 80 million tonnes. As India advances towards becoming a Viksit Bharat, efficient and sustainable industrial supply chains will be critical. Our efforts are aligned with the PM’s Gati Shakti Project, aiming to create a digitally integrated, multi-modal logistics network that improves connectivity, reduces costs, and enhances sector-wide efficiency. Vedanta Aluminium is setting new benchmarks for responsible, inclusive, and globally competitive growth.”

Deepak Gulati, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Vedanta Aluminium, added, “Railways form the backbone of our logistics operations, supported by a fleet of over 40 dedicated rakes for raw material movement. We are proud to be the largest customer of CONCOR (Container Corporation of India), collaborating to streamline our export logistics. As we scale up operations, we continue to invest in digitalisation and sustainability at the core of our supply chain.”

What sets Vedanta’s logistics system apart is its strong environmental focus. By prioritising rail over road transport, the company has significantly reduced emissions, diesel consumption, and road congestion. It currently operates more than 40 dedicated rakes, with plans to expand the fleet beyond 50, reinforcing its rail-centric strategy. Vedanta is also among the largest freight customers of Indian Railways’ East Coast Zone.

Within its plants, the company runs India’s largest fleet of lithium-ion electric forklifts — 75 in total — equipped with advanced safety features and real-time monitoring, enhancing workplace safety, efficiency, and sustainability. In a pioneering move for the sector, Vedanta recently introduced India’s first all-women locomotive team, managing critical material movement and challenging gender norms in heavy industries.

The company has also accelerated digitalisation across its supply chain, deploying a digital control tower and vehicle tracking systems to ensure resilience and future-readiness, underpinned by ESG principles. Beyond its global industrial role, Vedanta’s logistics network drives rural economic growth by generating thousands of jobs in transportation, warehousing, maintenance, and allied services. It also contributes substantially through taxes and infrastructure investments, cementing its position as a vital force in India’s economic growth.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest aluminium producer, manufacturing more than half of the nation’s output — 2.42 million tonnes in FY25. A leader in value-added aluminium products for core industries, the company ranked second globally in the S\&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the aluminium sector, underscoring its commitment to sustainable development. With world-class smelters, a modern alumina refinery, and power plants, Vedanta Aluminium is advancing the use of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.