The Business Bytes
New Delhi, October 23, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has taken a significant step towards enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability in its logistics operations by inducting Bogie Open Bottom Rapid discharge railway wagons with pneumatic door opening actuators (BOBRN) for coal transportation at its smelters in Jharsuguda, Odisha, and Korba, Chhattisgarh. This initiative is part of the Government’s General Purpose Wagon Investment Scheme (GPWIS) launched by the Indian Railways and aims to ensure faster turnaround times and improved supply chain management.
The BOBRN wagons are specifically designed for the transportation of bulk quantities of coal between thermal power plants and ports. Their unique unloading mechanism allows for direct discharge from the bottom of the wagon into hopper pits, resulting in an efficient and rapid unloading process that minimizes turnaround times in material delivery.
Vedanta Aluminium operates the world’s largest aluminium plant in Jharsuguda and the iconic BALCO smelter in Korba, both of which require a steady and reliable supply of power. The introduction of the BOBRN rake will significantly enhance the company’s ability to materialize linkage coal, ensuring an uninterrupted supply for its operations. Additionally, leveraging rail transportation will reduce overall production costs and optimize supply chains while decreasing carbon emissions due to the lower per-ton CO2 output associated with rail movement compared to truck transport.
Currently, Vedanta Aluminium operates four BOBRN captive coal rakes and plans to expand its logistics capacity by adding four more. This expansion will not only enhance operational efficiencies but also further the company’s commitment to integrating sustainable practices within its operations.
Commenting on the initiative, Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, said, “The induction of the BOBRN rake is a significant milestone in our operations. It will improve our rail coefficient, reduce turnaround times, and help ensure more reliable coal transportation, while significantly reducing costs and emissions. We are proud to contribute to the wider effort nationally to boost sustainability and energy efficiency, further reinforcing our focus on operational excellence.”
Emphasized the importance of this initiative, Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director of BALCO, said, “This step reinforces our commitment to enhancing operational efficiency while staying aligned with our sustainability goals. The inclusion of BOBRN rakes has been instrumental in establishing a more robust supply chain while progressing towards the goal to become net zero by 2050.”
Vedanta Aluminium is committed to a two-pronged approach to reducing and offsetting its carbon footprint. This includes increasing the use of renewable energy in its energy mix, optimizing resource utilization to reduce waste, and transitioning to low-carbon energy sources such as biofuels. Its smelters have been certified by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative’s (ASI) Performance Standards, a globally recognized benchmark for sustainable operations.
As a leading business of Vedanta Limited, Vedanta Aluminium is responsible for over half of India’s aluminium production, manufacturing 2.37 million tonnes in FY24. The company is a leader in value-added aluminium products crucial for various core industries. Recognized for its commitment to sustainability, Vedanta Aluminium ranks first in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 world rankings for the aluminium industry, reflecting its dedication to sustainable development practices. With state-of-the-art aluminium smelters, an alumina refinery, and power plants in India, Vedanta Aluminium aims to propel the use of aluminium as the “Metal of the Future” for a greener tomorrow.
