Vedanta Aluminium, India’s leading aluminium producer, has praised the Government of India’s decision to approve the Sardega-Bhalumuda rail line project, aimed at improving coal transport between Odisha and Chhattisgarh. The initiative, endorsed by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), will replace road-based coal transport with a fully rail-based system, significantly lowering both costs and carbon emissions.
The 37 km rail line will facilitate the movement of coal from Vedanta’s Jamkhani and Ghogharpalli captive mines in Odisha, ensuring a smoother and more efficient supply chain. By using rapid loading systems, the project will enhance coal quality consistency while reducing environmental impact. This marks an important step in Vedanta’s strategy to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The shift to rail-based coal transport aligns with Vedanta Aluminium’s broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives, particularly its commitment to decarbonizing operations and creating a more resource-efficient supply chain. The transition is expected to cut down road congestion, reduce fuel consumption, and lower emissions, contributing to a more sustainable logistics network.
John Slaven, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, expressed his gratitude to the government, stating, “This infrastructure project is a significant milestone in our journey toward Net Zero by 2050. It will not only boost our supply chain efficiency but also drive industrial growth in the region, creating new economic opportunities for local communities.”
The rail line project is expected to generate employment, especially during its construction and operational stages, and support regional industries by improving transport efficiency and attracting additional investments. Beyond benefiting the company, the project will positively impact the region’s overall economic development by streamlining logistics and reducing transport inefficiencies.
Vedanta Aluminium, part of Vedanta Limited, produced over half of India’s aluminium in FY24, reaching 2.37 million tonnes. The company leads in manufacturing value-added aluminium products used in key industries and ranks first globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 for the aluminium sector. With world-class facilities including aluminium smelters, alumina refineries, and power plants, the company is at the forefront of advancing aluminium applications for a sustainable future.
Vedanta Aluminium, a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest aluminium producer, contributing more than 50% of the country’s aluminium output. In FY24, the company produced 2.37 million tonnes. It is a leader in sustainable development and value-added aluminium products, with critical applications in various core industries. Ranked first globally in the 2023 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment for the aluminium industry, Vedanta Aluminium is committed to driving innovation and positioning aluminium as the “Metal of the Future” for a greener world.
