On June 12, 2025, Vedanta Aluminium, India's largest aluminum producer, announced the deployment of an all-female locomotive engine team at its world-class aluminum smelter in Jharsuguda. This initiative promotes inclusion and gender diversity within the production and industrial sectors.
This historic step positions women in leading roles for vital logistical operations within the plant, including managing raw material transportation via dedicated locomotive engines and rail routes. The newly appointed team consists of four shift-based locomotive drivers, a gatewoman, and two support staff, ensuring safe and efficient management of essential resources.
By introducing such diversity-focused hiring practices, Vedanta Aluminium strengthens its commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable workforce. This initiative aligns with Jharsuguda’s industrial-first programs, including the launch of ‘Shree Shakti,’ which saw 108 women take on key roles during night shifts—an industrial first in Odisha. Moreover, Vedanta established India’s first all-women-run potline in the aluminum industry, an integral part of aluminum production. This potline will operate in three phases, selecting over 100 women for internal postings and providing specialized training programs to enhance skills.
Adding his views, Sunil Gupta, COO, Vedanta Aluminium said “At Vedanta Aluminium, we have deliberately designed all of our roles to be gender agnostic, opening up a world of opportunities for women keen to explore careers in core operations within the metals, mining and manufacturing industries. This initiative comes as the latest in our efforts to ensure that at Vedanta Aluminium, we prioritise determination, skill, and the will to succeed above all other factors when it comes to our hiring practices. We believe that through these efforts, not only do we build a more diverse industry, but also a more resilient nation.”
Currently, more than 1,200 women professionals contribute to Vedanta Aluminium’s success, excelling in diverse roles ranging from technical expertise to operational leadership. The company actively supports female employees by providing essential skill development programs, advanced industrial training, and access to world-class technologies, unlocking their full potential. These efforts encourage more women to enter traditionally male-dominated industries, including mining, metals, and modern manufacturing.
Vedanta Aluminium has consistently earned Great Place to Work certifications across its plant locations, reinforcing its reputation as a top employer in India’s manufacturing sector. This recognition highlights the company’s commitment to fostering a workplace culture defined by trust, excellence, and inclusivity. Additionally, Vedanta Aluminium has set a target to achieve 30% female workforce representation by 2030 and prioritizes hiring 50% women for new roles to ensure gender-balanced recruitment.
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