Tata Steel has achieved a significant milestone in advancing gender inclusion by successfully integrating women employees across all three shifts in the Outbound Logistics department at its Kalinganagar plant in Odisha. This move represents a step forward in transforming traditionally male-dominated industrial roles into more inclusive workplaces.
In January 2025, the Kalinganagar facility onboarded 39 trade apprentices from the 2023 batch, of whom 26 were women. Eighteen of these women were placed in the outbound logistics department. They underwent comprehensive training covering safety protocols, quality standards, dispatch operations, inventory systems, and digital tools. The onboarding process included a combination of classroom learning and hands-on field training to prepare them for both operational and system-based responsibilities.
Karamveer Singh, General Manager of Operations at the Kalinganagar plant, stated, “Expanding women’s participation in mining, logistics, and all operational shifts is a major step towards fostering inclusivity within the manufacturing sector. Technological progress has opened doors for women in roles that were once restricted. We’re seeing growing interest and commitment from women in taking up these opportunities, and we remain dedicated to increasing their presence in similar roles.”
Tata Steel has a track record of pioneering gender diversity in core operations. In September 2019, it became the first Indian company to place women mining engineers in all shifts at its Noamundi mine. The company continued to build on this momentum in FY25 through several forward-looking initiatives. One of the standout achievements was launching India’s first all-women shift in mining operations at the Noamundi iron mine, further supported by initiatives such as ‘Women@Mines’ and ‘Tejaswini’.
In addition, through the ‘Flames of Change’ programme, Tata Steel inducted women firefighter trainees, becoming the first company in the country’s steel industry to establish an all-women firefighting crew. Tata Steel is one of the world’s leading steel producers, with a total crude steel production capacity of 35 million tonnes per annum. The company operates across five continents, with a diverse global presence in both production and commercial activities. For FY2025, Tata Steel reported consolidated revenues of approximately $26 billion, underscoring its position as a top-tier player in the global steel industry.
The company has long been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, with ambitious goals to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2045. It is also undergoing a digital transformation, with plants in Jamshedpur, Kalinganagar, and IJmuiden receiving recognition from the World Economic Forum as Global Lighthouse facilities. These plants exemplify Tata Steel’s leadership in advanced digital manufacturing practices and its ongoing efforts to drive innovation and efficiency across its operations.
Tata Steel’s commitment to responsible steel production is reflected in its achievements, including the first ResponsibleSteel™ certification for its Jamshedpur plant, with over 90% of its steel production in India now coming from certified sites. The company has also received numerous accolades, such as the Prime Minister’s Trophy for the best-performing integrated steel plant in 2016-17 and the 2024 Steel Sustainability Champion award from worldsteel, underscoring its leadership in both sustainability and performance within the global steel sector.
