Vedanta Aluminium Deploys Women Crane Pilots at BALCO, Marks New Era in Core Manufacturing

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Key Highlights:

• 30 women deployed as PTM pilots and beam operators.

• First women-led beam-raising operations across potlines.

• Structured training with simulators and real-time exposure.

• Part of BALCO’s ‘million tonne club’ milestone.

• Supports Vedanta’s goal to increase women workforce to 35%.

Vedanta Aluminium has taken a major step towards building a more inclusive and future-ready workforce by deploying its first group of women crane pilots at Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) in Korba.

This move strengthens women-led operations in one of India’s most advanced aluminium smelting environments and reflects a growing shift in the country’s core manufacturing sector.

30 Women Take Charge of Critical Operations

A total of 30 women professionals have been deployed at the BALCO unit. This includes:

• 10 beam-raising operators

• 20 Pot Tending Machine (PTM) pilots

This milestone also coincides with BALCO’s entry into the ‘million tonne club’, marking a significant achievement in production capacity.

These women are now handling key operations in the pot room, including:

• Anode changing

• Covering processes

• Tapping molten aluminium

• Beam-raising across potlines

Notably, beam-raising activities are now fully managed by women, with designated Beam Raising In-Charge roles in each pot room.

Strong Training and Skill Development

The selected pilots underwent a structured and intensive training process. This included:

• Classroom learning

• Simulator-based training

• Hands-on operational exposure

This approach ensures they can manage highly technical processes that are essential for maintaining stable and continuous aluminium production.

Leadership Speaks on Industry Transformation

Commenting on the development, Rajiv Kumar said: “Automation and advanced technologies are reshaping modern aluminium operations. This shift is creating opportunities for highly skilled professionals to take on critical roles. We are proud to see women stepping confidently into these positions. This milestone reflects our commitment to building a future-ready workforce.”

Empowering Women in Industrial Roles

Sharing her experience, Naaz Fatima said: “Working as a PTM pilot is both challenging and rewarding. The trust placed in us and the investment in our growth is empowering. It feels great to contribute directly to BALCO’s progress and shape the future for women in industrial roles.”

A Broader Push Towards Inclusive Manufacturing

This initiative is part of Vedanta Aluminium’s larger strategy to combine:

• Digitalisation and automation

• Gender-neutral job roles

• High-skill training opportunities for women

• Strong safety and productivity systems

The company is actively working to make traditionally male-dominated roles more accessible through technology and structured workforce planning.

Track Record of Women-Led Initiatives

Vedanta Aluminium has already implemented several pioneering initiatives across its operations:

• India’s first fully women-operated potline at Jharsuguda

• All-women locomotive crew for in-plant logistics

• Women-led digital command centre at Lanjigarh refinery

• Odisha’s first all-women power operations team managing a 135 MW unit

• Agnivahini, an all-women firefighting and emergency response team

These efforts highlight a consistent push towards building a diverse and modern industrial workforce.

Inclusion Beyond Gender: Transgender Workforce Integration

BALCO has also led efforts in workplace inclusion by integrating transgender professionals into core plant roles since 2022. Initially introduced in forklift operations and security, the initiative has expanded into a larger workforce supported by progressive policies such as:

• 30 days of paid leave

• Financial assistance for gender reaffirmation

This makes BALCO one of the first industrial employers in Chhattisgarh to adopt such inclusive practices.

Future Workforce Vision

Vedanta Aluminium is aligning its efforts with the broader diversity goals of the Vedanta Group.

• Women currently make up 21% of its workforce

• The company aims to increase this to 35% in the coming years

This will be achieved through targeted hiring, leadership development, and expanding opportunities in technical and operational roles.

Also Read: Volvo CE to Close Rokbak Hauler Production by 2026 Amid Strategic Shift

CMV360 Says

Vedanta Aluminium’s move to deploy women crane pilots at BALCO highlights a strong shift toward inclusive and technology-driven manufacturing in India. By combining automation with skill development, the company is opening new opportunities for women in core industrial roles. This initiative not only strengthens operational efficiency but also sets a benchmark for diversity in heavy industries, showing how modern workplaces can be both productive and inclusive for future growth.