The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JUNE 12, 2025
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has made a groundbreaking move towards promoting gender diversity and inclusion in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. The company has proudly announced the deployment of Vedanta Group’s first all-women locomotive engine team at its world-class aluminium smelter in Jharsuguda.
This pioneering initiative sees women professionals leading one of the plant’s most vital logistical functions: the internal movement of raw materials via a dedicated locomotive engine and rake. The newly formed team, consisting of four locomotive drivers (working in shifts), one gatewoman, and two support staff members, will oversee the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of this essential asset.
The deployment of this all-women team underscores Vedanta Aluminium’s unwavering commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. It follows a series of industry-first initiatives at the Jharsuguda facility, such as the launch of ‘Shree Shakti,’ which saw 108 women take on key operational roles during night shifts — an unprecedented move in Odisha’s industrial sector. Furthermore, Vedanta Aluminium recently inaugurated India’s first all-women managed potline, a crucial part of the aluminium production process. This potline is being operationalized in three phases, with over 100 women employees selected via internal postings and trained through specialized upskilling programs.
Commenting on this milestone, Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, said: “At Vedanta Aluminium, we believe that true progress comes from equal opportunity, where everyone is empowered to contribute, grow, and lead. Inclusivity is not just one of our core values—it’s a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and operational excellence. The growing participation of women in traditionally male-dominated roles is reshaping the landscape of Indian manufacturing. Deploying our all-women locomotive team is another step towards breaking stereotypes and creating meaningful career paths for women in industrial operations. From logistics to production and engineering, our women professionals are leading the way and inspiring future generations to redefine their role in shaping India’s industrial future.”
Adding his views, Sunil Gupta, COO, Vedanta Aluminium said: “At Vedanta Aluminium, we’ve made it a priority to design all our roles to be gender-neutral, opening up vast opportunities for women who wish to explore careers in metals, mining, and manufacturing. This latest initiative reinforces our commitment to hiring based on skill, determination, and a will to succeed — regardless of gender. We believe that by fostering diversity, we’re not only strengthening our industry but also building a more resilient and inclusive nation.”
Currently, over 1,200 women professionals are part of Vedanta Aluminium, excelling in various roles from technical operations to leadership positions. The company supports its women employees by providing professional skill development, advanced training in industrial processes, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies — creating a platform that encourages women to pursue dynamic and impactful careers in traditionally male-dominated sectors like mining and manufacturing.
Vedanta Aluminium has consistently earned the prestigious Great Place to Work® certification across all its plant locations, cementing its reputation as one of India’s top employers in the manufacturing sector. This recognition highlights the company’s commitment to fostering a work environment defined by trust, transparency, and inclusivity, where employees thrive in a culture of integrity and equal opportunity.
The company has also set an ambitious target of achieving 30% female workforce representation by FY2030. As part of its gender-balanced recruitment efforts, Vedanta Aluminium prioritizes 50% women hiring for entry-level roles.
Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing over half of the country’s aluminium output — 2.42 million tonnes in FY25. The company is a leader in producing value-added aluminium products that are essential to core industries. It ranks second in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 global rankings for the aluminium industry, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants across India, Vedanta Aluminium is driving the future of aluminium as a key material for a greener tomorrow.
