Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has introduced BOBRN (Bogie Open Bottom Rapid discharge railway) wagons, equipped with pneumatic door-opening actuators, into its coal transportation logistics at its plants in Jharsuguda, Odisha, and Korba, Chhattisgarh. This initiative, part of the General Purpose Wagon Investment Scheme (GPWIS) by Indian Railways, aims to enhance efficiency and promote sustainability in logistics.
The BOBRN wagons are specifically designed to carry large quantities of coal to locations like thermal power plants and ports. Their unique bottom-discharge mechanism allows for quick unloading directly into hopper pits, significantly reducing turnaround times.
Enhancing supply chain efficiency and reducing carbon footprint
Vedanta Aluminium, which operates the world’s largest aluminium plant in Jharsuguda and the renowned BALCO smelter in Korba, relies on a continuous power supply for its operations. The new BOBRN rakes will ensure a steady and efficient coal supply, optimising supply chains and reducing production costs. Importantly, by shifting from road to rail transport, the company can significantly lower its carbon footprint due to the lower CO2 emissions associated with rail travel.
Currently, Vedanta Aluminium utilises four BOBRN coal rakes and plans to expand this fleet with four additional rakes. This expansion is expected to further enhance operational efficiency and support the company’s sustainability efforts.
Perspectives on sustainability and operational excellence
Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer at Vedanta Aluminium, said, “The induction of the BOBRN rake is a significant milestone in our operations. It will improve our rail coefficient, reduce turnaround times, and help ensure more reliable coal transportation, while significantly reducing costs and emissions. We are proud to contribute to the wider effort nationally to boost sustainability and energy efficiency, further reinforcing our focus on operational excellence.”
Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director at BALCO, emphasised, “This step reinforces our commitment to enhancing operational efficiency while staying aligned with our sustainability goals. The inclusion of BOBRN rakes has been instrumental in establishing a more robust supply chain while progressing towards the goal to become net zero by 2050.”
Vedanta Aluminium’s strategy to reduce and offset its carbon footprint involves increasing the use of renewable energy, optimising resource utilisation, and transitioning to low-carbon energy sources like biofuels. Its smelters are certified by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative’s Performance Standards, indicating globally recognised sustainable operations.
As a business entity of Vedanta Limited, Vedanta Aluminium produced 2.37 million tonnes of aluminium in FY24, representing over half of India’s total production. It leads in value-added aluminium products used in essential industries. According to the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023, Vedanta Aluminium is ranked first globally in the aluminium industry, underscoring its commitment to sustainable development. With its cutting-edge smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants, Vedanta Aluminium aims to drive the future of aluminium as a key material for a greener tomorrow.
