Hindalco Industries has achieved a significant milestone with the launch of India’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, an event marked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat. This advancement underscores Hindalco’s pivotal role in the country’s transportation and sustainable energy sectors, leveraging its expertise in copper and aluminium.
The new Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, based on the Vande-Bharat platform and designed for inter-city travel, relies on copper for its electric lines—copper largely supplied by Hindalco. The company also provides copper for the motors and internal wiring of these modern trains. Hindalco’s copper products are integral to approximately 95% of India’s railway electrification and help power two-thirds of Indian households.
Hindalco’s recent innovations include Cu-Silver alloys, which are advancing high-speed and urban transportation, as well as Copper-Magnesium alloys aimed at enhancing future sustainable electrification. The company is expanding its copper smelting capacity at its Dahej facility in Gujarat, one of the largest single-location copper smelters globally, and is considering the development of a new brownfield facility in the state.
Gujarat has emerged as a major global copper production hub, second only to China, driven by rising demand from urbanization, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and other electrification needs. Rohit Pathak, CEO of Hindalco’s Copper business, emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding production capabilities and introducing innovative products to support India’s shift towards a developed economy and net-zero emissions. Hindalco is also setting up India’s first e-waste recycling plant in Dahej, reinforcing its dedication to green practices.
At the global conference on sustainable energy in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, held from September 16-18 and inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi, Hindalco is showcasing its latest copper innovations. The company will present its Cu-Silver and Copper-Magnesium alloys at the Renewable Energy Investors Meet & Expo (RE-Invest 2024).
In the fiscal year 2023-24, Hindalco’s copper sales surpassed 500,000 tonnes, making it the second-largest copper rod producer globally outside of China. The company’s Dahej facility includes copper smelters, a captive power plant, oxygen plants, and a jetty. Hindalco is also constructing India’s largest Copper Inner Groove Tube plant at Wagodia, Gujarat, set to be operational by the end of the year, which will reduce dependence on imports for air conditioner components. Additionally, the company is developing the largest e-waste and copper recycling facility in Dahej.
Over the past 25 years, it has built strong relationships with its customers and contributed significantly to the growth of the copper industry in India. The company’s efforts have supported the development of over 500 allied industries and helped meet the country’s growing copper demand, which now stands at 810 KT.
Hindalco Industries Limited, the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, is a $26 billion powerhouse and the world’s largest aluminium company by revenue. It is also the second-largest copper rod manufacturer globally, outside China, serving more than half of India’s copper needs. Hindalco operates 52 manufacturing units across 10 countries and has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable aluminium company by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for four consecutive years.
