Vedanta Aluminium has emerged as the largest manufacturing investor in the first quarter of FY26 with its ₹1.3 trillion greenfield aluminium smelter project in Odisha. The project will include a 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) smelter and a 4,900 MW captive power plant near Kamakhyanagar in Dhenkanal district. Designed to generate over 2 lakh jobs, the project is expected to drive significant regional growth through the development of supporting industries, improved logistics, and infrastructure upgrades. According to data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), private sector investments reached ₹3.5 trillion in the quarter, with manufacturing accounting for over 50%—led by Vedanta’s investment.
The Dhenkanal facility will be among the largest aluminium smelters globally once completed. It marks a major step in Vedanta’s goal of strengthening India’s manufacturing base while establishing Odisha as a centre for aluminium production. Beyond core production, the smelter is expected to support the development of downstream sectors, open opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and enable large-scale industrial activity across related sectors such as power, construction, railways, and automotive.
India’s manufacturing sector is gaining traction as a key driver of capital expenditure. While external uncertainties impact global investment flows, India’s private sector continues to commit to large-scale industrial projects. This trend points to rising confidence in domestic capabilities. Investments in manufacturing not only boost output and exports but also enable job creation, build resilient local supply chains, and accelerate infrastructure projects that support broader economic growth.
Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, said, “Our project in Dhenkanal will be central to meeting rising demand for aluminium across key sectors like electric vehicles, renewable energy, infrastructure, and defence. It also gives a strong push to local employment and supply chains. As manufacturing-led projects become the core of India’s industrial strategy, we’re proud to be at the forefront of that change.” The project aligns with Vedanta’s goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050 or earlier, with advanced technologies integrated to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
Vedanta Aluminium, part of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest aluminium producer, contributing over 2.42 million tonnes in FY25—more than half of the country’s total output. The company supplies high-quality, value-added aluminium products used across essential sectors. Vedanta Aluminium was ranked second globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the aluminium industry, highlighting its focus on sustainable operations. Through its smelters, refinery, and power assets, Vedanta aims to expand the role of aluminium in building a more sustainable future.
