Bhubaneswar:swa news : In Odisha’s industrial belt, a landscape long defined by expansive operations and the unmistakable roar of heavy machinery, a quiet yet powerful transformation is underway. At Vedanta Aluminium’s massive Jharsuguda smelter -one of the largest aluminium production facilities in the world, history is being rewritten every day by a determined group of women.
Where the shop floor was once considered a male bastion, today, it’s led end-to-end by an all-women team, which is an unprecedented feat in Indian manufacturing. These women are running a full potline– the heart of the aluminium production process, where alumina is transformed into molten metal. Here, they manage some of the most complex processes in metal production. In doing so, they are achieving the unthinkable and challenging decades of gender norms embedded in the industry.
On Women’s Equality Day 2025, this achievement takes on even greater meaning – celebrating not only progress in policy and representation but also the courage to lead where few believed women could. This initiative is not symbolic; it is a cornerstone of Vedanta Aluminium’s bold plan to increase female representation in its workforce to 30% by FY2030, creating a playbook for true inclusion in heavy manufacturing and setting a benchmark for gender equality in India’s industrial landscape.
Women Leading the Potline
Step onto the potline and you’ll see not only molten aluminium glowing at extremelyhigh temperatures, but also the grit, expertise, and leadership of women who have taken charge of this high-stakes operation. Clad in flame-resistant suits and equipped with precision training, this team navigates a world of anode effects, chemical balances, bottom operations, and critical safety protocols–all critical to the smooth functioning of the potline.
“Yes, at Vedanta Aluminium, I’m the first female Room In-charge. For the last six months, I’ve overseen bottom operations, a high-pressure, precision-driven role. It’s something I never imagined doing, and I take immense pride in being part of this change,” shares Usha Roy, a veteran with 17 years at Vedanta.Bottom operations include activities related to the bottom of the electrolytic cell, including tapping molten aluminium, managing sludge, and maintaining the cathode. It is important for metal recovery, cell longevity, and safety.
At the core of daily operations are women like Yashasvi Chauhan, Avita Bharti, and Vinita Kumari, each managing responsibilities that directly influence production quality, efficiency, and plant safety.
“As Technical In-charge, I monitor anode effects, bath chemistry, metal bath height, and ensure that silica and iron levels stay in check. Our priority is always safety and stability,” says Yashasvi Chauhan.Her work is essential in aluminium production because it ensures operational efficiency, product quality, and environmental safety.
“I make sure our pots function optimally and that every team member works in a safe environment. It’s not just about operations, it’s about leadership on the floor,” adds Avita Bharti,another Technical In-charge like Yashasvi.
These roles require more than operational skill; they demand emotional strength, leadership, and relentless focus. And these women deliver, day in and day out.
Extending Impact Beyond the Factory Gates
Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to inclusion and diversity extends beyond its plant walls. Initiatives like Project Sakhi and Project Panchhi focus on grassroots-level change, training rural women, ensuring they pursue higher education, supporting entrepreneurship, and mobilizing thousands into self-help groups and micro-enterprises in remote regions.These programs are designed not only to upskill but also to transform. From preparing young women for plant-ready careers to fostering economic independence in remote villages, Vedanta Aluminium is building a more inclusive ecosystem for India’s industrial future.
A New Vision for Indian Manufacturing
As of today, Vedanta Aluminium’s all-women potline at Jharsuguda is more than a pioneering step.It is a tangible symbol of what Indian manufacturing can aspire to be. By placing women at the core of its operations and backing them with opportunity, training, and trust, Vedanta is showing that the future of heavy industry doesn’t just belong to men, it belongs to those with the courage to lead.And in Jharsuguda, those leaders happen to be women.
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