Over 250 attendees marked the launch of the initiative, which deploys a QR-linked smart tracking system to ensure public transport safety

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

JHARSUGUDA, MAY 22, 2026

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has extended support to the Jharsuguda Police for the launch of Operation Netra, a Smart Auto Tracking System designed to enhance passenger safety, transparency, and confidence in public transport across the district. The citizen-centric initiative was launched in the presence of senior officials from the district administration, police, and industry, along with more than 250 community members, including over 150 auto-rickshaw drivers and other stakeholders from the local transport ecosystem.

The event was attended by Himanshu Kumar Lal, Inspector General of Police (Northern Range); Kunal Motiram Chavan, Collector & District Magistrate, Jharsuguda; Gundala Reddy Raghavendra, Superintendent of Police, Jharsuguda; and C Chandru, CEO - Vedanta Aluminium, Jharsuguda.

Operation Netra’s Smart Auto Tracking System integrates advanced technology with public transport services to create a safer and more transparent commuting experience in Jharsuguda. Under the initiative, registered auto-rickshaws across the district are being fitted with prominently displayed QR code stickers, along with detailed information sheets inside vehicles carrying driver and vehicle details, including contact and licence information. By scanning the QR code, passengers can access several safety features such as sending live tracking requests to police authorities, sharing journey details, registering complaints related to overcharging, rash driving, misbehaviour, or route deviations, and locating nearby police stations along with emergency contacts.

Speaking on the occasion, C Chandru, CEO - Vedanta Aluminium, Jharsuguda said, “At Vedanta Jharsuguda, we believe that technology-led community initiatives play a vital role in building safer and smarter cities. The Smart Auto Tracking System under Operation Netra is a progressive step towards strengthening public safety and enhancing trust within the transport ecosystem. We are proud to support Jharsuguda Police in this meaningful initiative that directly benefits citizens and promotes responsible urban mobility.”

Speaking on the occasion, Jharsuguda SP Gundala Reddy Raghavendra appreciated Vedanta’s support in launching Operation Netra in the presence of senior government officials and community members.

Supported by Vedanta Jharsuguda as part of its commitment to community development in the region, Operation Netra aligns with the company’s wider outreach initiatives benefiting more than 3.9 lakh people across 79 villages in Jharsuguda. The initiative is expected to significantly improve commuter confidence while strengthening accountability and transparency in the district’s public transport system.

Vedanta Aluminium continues to work closely with the Jharsuguda district administration to support initiatives aimed at strengthening community infrastructure and public welfare. In FY26, the company supported the revamp of the Government Satellite Hospital at Mangal Bazaar to improve healthcare access in the district. On the environmental front, it has undertaken large-scale plantation drives across Jharsuguda under the Government of India’s Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 campaign. These efforts reflect the company’s continued commitment to inclusive growth and improving quality of life across Jharsuguda and Odisha.