Vedanta Aluminium, the country’s largest aluminium producer, has expanded its lithium-ion battery powered electric forklift fleet to 142 vehicles across its facilities in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, more than doubling its previous count. Announced on World Sustainable Transport Day (November 26), the development marks a major step forward in transforming industrial logistics and strengthening the adoption of cleaner, resource-efficient transportation within the manufacturing sector.
World Sustainable Transport Day, observed annually on November 26 by the United Nations, highlights the importance of accessible, safe and low-emission transport systems in driving social and economic development. Vedanta Aluminium’s shift to electric forklifts supports this global agenda while also advancing the company’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and fully decarbonise its Light Motor Vehicle fleet by 2030. The initiative goes beyond environmental benefits and reflects a broader approach to sustainability that includes improved workplace safety, higher operational output and enhanced social impact.
The multi-phase deployment of 142 electric forklifts has already begun delivering measurable results across Vedanta Aluminium’s operations. At the Jharsuguda smelter alone, where 116 machines have been rolled out, the transition is projected to eliminate nearly 4,450 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions each year and reduce diesel consumption by around 1.63 million litres annually. These improvements also translate into faster charging times, lower maintenance needs and better on-site safety standards, aligning operational excellence with reduced carbon footprint.
Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, noted that the expansion of the electric forklift fleet reflects the company’s belief in sustainability as a driver of innovation and progress. He stated that investing in advanced clean-energy technology not only benefits the environment and business performance but also creates opportunities that were previously unavailable to many segments of the workforce. At several units, forklifts are now being operated by women and transgender professionals, underscoring the company’s efforts toward inclusion and empowerment. The initiative has also resulted in the deployment of India’s first 10-tonne capacity electric forklifts at the Jharsuguda smelter.
By significantly curbing fossil fuel consumption and preventing the release of thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gases each year, Vedanta Aluminium is demonstrating that industries can scale decarbonisation without sacrificing productivity. The company’s leadership in building India’s largest industrial electric forklift fleet reinforces the idea that environmental stewardship, high-performance operations and inclusive growth can advance together to shape a more sustainable industrial future.
Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, produces more than half of India’s aluminium with an output of 2.42 million tonnes in FY25. The company is a leader in value-added aluminium products that support critical sectors of the economy and ranks second globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the aluminium industry. With integrated smelters, an alumina refinery and power plants in India, Vedanta Aluminium is committed to driving the future of aluminium as a sustainable material essential to the transition toward a greener world.
