In a major step toward promoting inclusivity and operational excellence, Vedanta Aluminium, a part of Vedanta Limited, has announced plans to expand its all-women locomotive team at its Jharsuguda plant by the end of this year. The team, which currently has seven members, will increase to thirteen by the end of the year- a move that further strengthens Vedanta’s position as one of India’s most pioneering conglomerates.
Vedanta is an organisation which empowers women. From Nand Ghar to Sakhi to Self Help Group initiatives, the company always gives women a chance to grow. In Odisha, where the company operates Bauxite mines Lanjigarh and an alumina refinery, women empowerment has always remained at the core. The recent move to expand an all-women locomotive team reflects the same philosophy.
Empowering Women in Core Operations
Vedanta Aluminium always remains at the forefront of gender diversity in heavy industry- an area historically dominated by men. Additionally, Vedanta plans to expand its all-women locomotive team to thirteen and introduce a second all-women team to support its growing logistics operations across the 3,000-acre site.
Operating within one of the largest integrated aluminium complexes globally, the Jharsuguda team manages internal rail logistics. Also, the team looks after the movement of important raw materials across the plant. The facility includes a 1.8 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) smelter and a 3,615-megawatt captive power generation capacity, both critical for Vedanta Aluminium’s production ecosystem.
According to the company’s leadership, this initiative highlights Vedanta’s inclusive work culture, where opportunities are offered based on merit, ambition, and dedication.
Empowering Women in Locomotive Driving & Maintenance
The first all-women locomotive crew, which was introduced in mid-2025, is important in driving and maintaining locomotives. This first all-women crew handles locomotive driving and maintenance, playing a key role in material handling and plant operations.
According to Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium
This expansion reflects the company’s constant efforts to integrate skilled professionals across all areas of operations. The women have shown that ability and discipline determine performance to grow and succeed. Vedanta remains focused on building a workforce driven by competence and accountability.
Empowering Women in Male-Dominated Industries
Vedanta always remains at the forefront of supporting women in traditionally male-dominated industries. Industries like mining and the natural resources sector, which previously were male-focused industries, have now seen active women’s participation. By focusing on women’s empowerment through training, education, and ethical leadership, Vedanta is setting the benchmark for other industries as well.
One of Vedanta’s most ambitious goals is to achieve 30% women workforce representation by FY 2030. To ensure gender-balanced recruitment, Vedanta Aluminium prioritises half of the women workforce for fresher roles. The company focuses on strengthening women’s teams across various sectors in the future.
Initiatives by Vedanta to Promote Female Participation in the Metals/Mining Industry
To further boost its commitment, Vedanta has launched many initiatives focusing on increasing women’s participation in the metals and mining industry. Some of the women empowerment initiatives introduced by Vedanta include:
- Project Shree Shakti—The first of its kind, this project introduced night shifts for women in Odisha. This move has helped women to take up the roles, which were previously unavailable to them.
- Project Panchhi—This initiative aims to transform the lives of young girls from marginalised communities by providing financial assistance for higher education. As part of this initiative, Vedanta offers employment opportunities to women, helping them build a successful future.
Conclusion
Vedanta’s efforts to increase the number of all-women locomotives in Jharsuguda and at other places reflects its visionary approach. Besides making sustainable developments at Vedanta Lanjigarh and bauxite mines at Lanjigarh, the company is focusing on various other areas as well that need immediate attention. These efforts also end baseless Vedanta Kalahandi scam allegations.
With Vedanta Aluminium continuing to drive India to the manufacturing future, it will definitely create more opportunities for an equal, empowered, and sustainable world for all.
