From potlines to locomotives, women take the helm at Vedanta Aluminium

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, SEPTEMBER 20, 2025

Vedanta Aluminium is rewriting the status quo within a domain long perceived as an exclusive bastion for male professionals: the fascinating yet demanding world of modern manufacturing. In a sector dominated by heavy machinery, hot furnaces, and powerful engines, the company is opening doors for women professionals to advance. From smelter potlines to locomotive cabins, Vedanta is cultivating an equitable environment that empowers women to lead with skill, confidence, and determination.

Today, the company employs more than 1,200 women across areas such as smelting, logistics, power generation, procurement, and security. Their presence is not symbolic; they are driving innovation, managing operations, and leading transformative change. Through focused training and leadership development, Vedanta is nurturing a robust talent pipeline that challenges outdated notions of gender roles in the industry.

At its Jharsuguda operations, Vedanta Aluminium has made history by establishing India’s first-ever all-women potline. Potlines consist of long rows of large electrolytic cells known as ‘pots’, where alumina is converted into molten aluminium. At one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters, placing women at the helm of such a critical operation is a bold step, reflecting the company’s unwavering commitment to inclusion. More than a hundred roles have been identified and filled by women, who are trained comprehensively—from managing complex machinery to monitoring the smelting process.

For many of these employees, this opportunity has been life-changing. Vinita Kumari, a pot-tending machine operator, shared her experience: “Since childhood, we have been told that fieldwork and operation sites are only for men, but here we are breaking those stereotypes.” Sindhu Pandre, Head of Operations for Potline 4, added, “I never imagined I would lead the operations of an entire potline, and I am very proud to be empowered in a male-dominated field.”

In another pioneering move, Vedanta Aluminium has introduced Vedanta Group’s first all-women locomotive engine team at Jharsuguda. This team manages the essential task of transporting key raw materials across the plant. Despite the demanding and highly technical nature of these roles, the women have embraced them with remarkable determination and pride.

To further expand opportunities, Vedanta Aluminium launched the third phase of its Project Shree Shakti in 2024. This initiative, a first in Odisha’s metals industry, allows women to work night shifts, giving them access to roles previously unavailable. Coupled with secure infrastructure and sensitization programs, the initiative fosters an environment where women feel safe, supported, and encouraged to excel.

These initiatives go beyond token achievements. They reflect definitive steps toward Vedanta Aluminium’s long-term vision of increasing women’s representation and ensuring they play a key role across every part of the value chain.

This approach has fostered a culture where inclusivity and excellence go hand in hand. When women operate smelter potlines, drive locomotives, or work night shifts in core operations, they inspire the next generation and redefine what is possible.

For their communities, they symbolize hope and progress. For the wider industry, they demonstrate that inclusion is not just the right thing to do—it is the smart, forward-looking way to lead.