The Business Bytes
New Delhi, September 20, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has commended the Government of India for approving the Sardega-Bhalumuda rail connectivity project between Odisha and Chhattisgarh. The project, sanctioned by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), aims to streamline coal transportation in a sustainable and efficient manner. By transitioning from road to 100% rail-based coal evacuation from Vedanta’s Jamkhani and Ghogharpalli captive mines in Odisha, the initiative is expected to significantly reduce the carbon footprint and costs associated with coal logistics. The 37 km rail line will enhance coal transport from the company’s mines, ensuring consistent coal quality and enabling seamless logistics through rapid loading systems.
This project is a key step in Vedanta Aluminium’s long-term strategy to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. The shift to rail-based transportation plays a critical role in advancing the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, which focus on decarbonizing operations and improving supply chain efficiency. It will also help alleviate road congestion, lower emissions, and reduce fuel consumption.
John Slaven, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, expressed gratitude to the Government of India, saying, “We sincerely thank the Government for driving this landmark infrastructure project, which will significantly boost the efficiency of our supply chain. This is an important milestone in our journey towards achieving Net Zero by 2050. Moreover, this project will support industrial growth in the region, benefiting local industries and generating meaningful economic opportunities for nearby communities.”
The Sardega-Bhalumuda rail line is set to create employment opportunities for local communities, particularly during its construction and operational phases. Additionally, the project will enhance transport efficiency, attract further investment, and support industrial growth across the region. By reducing logistical inefficiencies, it will contribute to broader economic development.
A business of Vedanta Limited, Vedanta Aluminium is India’s largest producer of aluminium, accounting for more than half of the country’s production—2.37 million tonnes in FY24. The company is a leader in value-added aluminium products, serving critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranked first in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 world rankings for the aluminium industry, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development. With world-class aluminium smelters, an alumina refinery, and power plants in India, the company is spearheading the use of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.
