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BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 26, 2025
In the heart of Odisha’s industrial belt — once dominated by the thunder of heavy machinery and a traditionally male workforce — a quiet revolution is taking place. At Vedanta Aluminium’s colossal smelter in Jharsuguda, one of the world’s largest aluminium production facilities, women are not just participating — they’re leading.
On this Women’s Equality Day 2025, we shine a spotlight on the trailblazing women who are breaking barriers and rewriting the rules of heavy manufacturing in India.
India’s First All-Women Potline Team
What was once considered a male stronghold — the shop floor — is now the domain of an all-women team that operates a full potline, the nerve centre of aluminium production. Here, alumina is converted into molten metal in a process that demands precision, technical expertise, and unwavering focus. These women are running one of the most complex industrial operations with confidence and command, defying gender norms deeply entrenched in manufacturing.
This initiative isn’t just symbolic. It’s a cornerstone of Vedanta Aluminium’s ambitious goal to raise female representation in its workforce to 30 per cent by FY2030. It’s a bold move — and one that is setting new standards for inclusion in India’s industrial sector.
Women in Charge: Leading from the Front
Step onto the potline and you’ll see not only the intense glow of molten aluminium — but also the grit, leadership, and technical prowess of women managing the high-stakes operation.
Clad in flame-resistant suits and equipped with rigorous training, these women are responsible for every critical aspect of production—from chemical balances to safety protocols. And they do it with remarkable precision.
“At Vedanta Aluminium, I’m the first female Room In-charge. For the past six months, I’ve overseen bottom operations — a high-pressure, precision-driven role I never imagined myself in. It fills me with pride,” says Usha Roy, a 17-year Vedanta veteran.
Bottom operations, which involve tapping molten metal, managing sludge, and maintaining cathodes, are critical for both safety and metal recovery. Usha’s work ensures the smooth, efficient functioning of the cell bottom—one of the most challenging aspects of smelting.
“As Technical In-charge, I monitor anode effects, bath chemistry, and ensure that silica and iron levels are in check. Our focus is always on quality and safety,” shares Yashasvi Chauhan.
“I make sure every pot operates at peak efficiency — and that our team works in a safe, supportive environment. It’s more than operations; it’s about ownership,” adds Avita Bharti, another Technical In-charge.
These are not roles for the faint of heart. They demand emotional resilience, quick thinking, and day-to-day leadership. And these women deliver — consistently.
Beyond the Factory: Creating a More Inclusive Future
Vedanta Aluminium’s impact goes far beyond its plant gates. Through initiatives like Project Sakhi and Project Panchhi, the company is training rural women, supporting female education, and enabling entrepreneurship through self-help groups and micro-enterprises.
From preparing young women for plant-ready careers to fostering financial independence in remote communities, Vedanta is laying the foundation for a truly inclusive industrial ecosystem.
The Future of Manufacturing is Equal — and It’s Here
The all-women potline at Jharsuguda is more than a milestone. It’s a vision come to life — a glimpse into a future where opportunity and talent know no gender.
By putting women at the heart of operations and backing them with training, trust, and tangible opportunities, Vedanta Aluminium is proving that the future of heavy industry doesn’t just belong to men. It belongs to those with the courage to lead.
And in Jharsuguda, those leaders are women.
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