In a groundbreaking achievement for India’s mining and construction equipment industry, an all-women team from Larsen & Toubro’s Construction & Mining Machinery (L&T CMB) division successfully commissioned a massive 100-ton dump truck at Tata Steel’s Noamundi iron ore mine in Jharkhand.
This marks the first time in India that a machine of such scale and technical complexity has been assembled, tested, and commissioned entirely by women engineers and technicians. The milestone underscores L&T’s commitment to promoting gender diversity and empowering women in sectors traditionally dominated by men.
The Komatsu HD785-7, a 1200-horsepower dump truck commissioned by the team, is one of the largest in its category and incorporates advanced features like variable horsepower control, automatic retard speed regulation, and KOMTRAX Plus telematics for enhanced performance.
The commissioning process, carried out from July 28 to August 2 over just six days, involved overcoming significant operational challenges, including heavy monsoon rains. From axle mounting to hydraulic integration, the team executed every step with expertise and precision. The engine was successfully started on August 1, and all systems were fully integrated by August 2.
On August 18, the truck was formally handed over to Tata Steel, with the transition also entrusted to an all-women operator crew — symbolizing continuity and pride. Women engineers prepared the machine, while women operators will now lead its operations at the mine.
The L&T CMB commissioning team consisted of Alisha Jerai, Anamika Kerai, Banashree Mondal, Monorama Banerjee, Nutan Bobanga, Priyanka Biswas, Ruby Sharma, Sanjana Sarkar, Sasi Kumari Mahato, and Soma Karmakar. Their achievement reflects the company’s robust training ecosystem, combining technical expertise with mentorship and practical field experience.
Sharing her experience, Ruby Sharma stated, “At first, we were unsure if we could take on certain tasks. But with each day, we grew more confident and realized we could complete the tasks one after another.” Sanjana Sarkar added, “It felt incredible because this truck wasn’t just commissioned by us — it will now be operated by a woman driver as well. Being part of the entire process gives us immense pride.”
Arvind K Garg, Advisor to the L&T CMD, praised the team’s accomplishment, saying, “This achievement is a powerful reminder that when women are given the opportunity, they not only break barriers but own challenges and overcome them. This is more than just commissioning a massive machine — it’s a quiet but significant triumph that will be remembered as a turning point for the mining sector.”
The Komatsu HD785-7 is now ready to haul iron ore at the Noamundi mine, but its legacy goes far beyond its physical presence. It stands as a symbol of belief, training, resilience, and the remarkable women who transformed steel into a living giant. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is a leading Indian multinational conglomerate with a strong presence across multiple industries, including engineering, construction, manufacturing, technology, and financial services. Known for its commitment to innovation and excellence, L&T has played a pivotal role in transforming India’s infrastructure landscape.
The company has delivered landmark projects in sectors such as transportation, power, water, and heavy engineering, earning a reputation for its technical expertise and project execution capabilities. L&T’s strategic focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and smart technologies has enabled it to maintain a competitive edge in the global marketplace.
L&T’s diversified portfolio also includes significant contributions to the aerospace, defense, and IT sectors. The company’s robust research and development capabilities ensure it remains at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies, from automation to artificial intelligence.
With a global footprint spanning across 30+ countries, L&T continues to expand its operations and strengthen its position as a trusted partner for large-scale infrastructure and technology projects. The company is deeply committed to sustainable growth, consistently implementing green practices and eco-friendly solutions in its operations.
