Bhubaneswar 20th Sept 2025: Vedanta Aluminium is rewriting the status quowithina domain that has long been seen as an exclusive bastion for male professionals: the fascinating yet complex world of modern manufacturing. In asector where heavy machinery, hot furnaces, and powerful engines are the norm, the company is opening new doors for women professionals to advance. From smelter potlines to locomotivecabins, Vedanta is building an equitable environmentthat enables women to lead with skill, confidence, and determination.
Today, the company employs more than 1,200 women across areas such as smelting, logistics, power generation, procurement, and security.Their presence is not symbolic; they are driving innovation, managing operations, and leading change.Through focused training and leadership development, the company is building a robust talent pipeline that challenges outdated notions of gender roles in the industry.
At its Jharsuguda operations, Vedanta Aluminium has created history by establishing India’s first-ever all-women potline. Potlines are essentially long rows of large electrolyticcells known as ‘pots’, within which alumina is converted into molten aluminium. Atone of the world’s largest aluminium smelters, placing women at the helm of one of the most critical aspects of its operations is a bold step that reflects the company’s commitment to inclusion.More thana hundred roles have so far been identified and filled by women, who will be trained in everyaspect, from managing the complex machinery to monitoring the smelting process.
For many of these employees, this opportunity has beenlife changing. Vinita Kumari, a pot tending machine operator, shared her experience: “Since childhood we have been told that fieldwork and operation sites are only for men, but here we are breaking those stereotypes.”
Sindhu Pandre, Head of Operations for Potline 4, added, “I never imagined that I would be leading the operations of an entire potline, and I am very proud of the fact that I amempowered to lead in a male-dominated field.”
In another bold step, Vedanta Aluminium has introduced Vedanta Group’s first all-women locomotive engine team at Jharsuguda. The team manages the essential task of moving key raw materials across the plant. These aredemanding and highly technical roles, yet the women of this team have taken these on with a potent mixture of determination and pride.
To further expand opportunities, Vedanta Aluminium launched the third phase of its Project Shree Shakti in 2024. This initiative, a first in Odisha’s metals industry, enables women to work in the night shift at its operations, lettingthemtake on roles that were previously inaccessible. Along with secure infrastructure and sensitization sessions, the initiative has created an environment where women feel safe and always supported.
Such initiatives aim to go beyondtoken achievements. They represent definitive steps taken towards the company’s long-term goal of accelerating women’s representation within its teams and ensuring that women play a key role in every part of the value chain.
This approach has created a culture where inclusivity and excellence go hand in hand. When women operate smelter potlines, drive locomotives, or worknight shiftsin core operations, they inspire the next generation and redefine what’s possible.
For their communities, they represent hope and progress. For the wider industry, they demonstrate that inclusion is not only the right thing to do but also the right way forward.
