New Delhi : Vedanta Aluminium announces the expansion of India’s largest lithium-ion battery powered electric forklift fleet to comprise 142 vehicles deployed across its world-class operations in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, more than doubling its previous total. On World Sustainable Transport Day (November 26), this comes as a groundbreaking initiative that is redefining operations within India’s industrial landscape and driving an increased focus on ensuring sustainable business practices.
World Sustainable Transport Day is observed on 26 November every year by the United Nations, aiming to underscore the critical role of safe, affordable, accessible, and environmentally friendly transport systems in driving sustainable economic growth and social well-being. It also serves to promote global cooperation towards developing resilient, low-emission infrastructure.
Beyond reducing environmental impact and enhancing efficiency, sustainable transport is emerging as a crucial catalyst for achieving broader development goals such as gender equality and climate action. The transition to electric forklifts aligns with Vedanta’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, while also taking forward the goal of decarbonizing its Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) fleet by 2030.
Vedanta Aluminium’s significant milestone was achieved through a multi-phase rollout of the 142 electric forklifts across its operations, delivering transformative environmental, operational, and social benefits. At its Jharsuguda smelter alone, where 116 such forklifts have been deployed, the initiative is expected to eliminate approximately 4,450 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions annually and reduce diesel consumption by 16.3 lakh litres each year. Beyond these sustainability gains, the transition enhances workplace safety and boosts operational efficiency through faster charging and lower maintenance requirements, thereby reinforcing Vedanta’s vision of aligning operational excellence with environmental responsibility and social progress.
Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Rajiv Kumar, CEO – Vedanta Aluminium, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we view sustainability as more than a commitment, it is a catalyst for transformation. Our expanded electric forklift fleet is a testament to what becomes possible when we invest in technologies that benefit both our operations and our planet. This milestone has not only strengthened our environmental efforts but has also created new pathways for greater inclusion in industry roles that were once considered inaccessible to women.”
The initiative has created new opportunities for inclusive growth, with several forklifts operated by women and transgender professionals, reinforcing Vedanta’s commitment to equality and empowerment and demonstrating how sustainable technology can be a powerful enabler of social transformation. The initiative has also achieved other firsts such as the deployment of India’s first 10-tonne capacity electric forklifts at Vedanta Jharsuguda’s smelter operations.
By reducing dependence on fossil fuels and eliminating thousands of tonnes of emissions annually, Vedanta Aluminium is not just meeting its environmental goals but is also setting the standard for how industries can decarbonize without compromising on performance or productivity. By pioneering India’s largest industrial electric forklift fleet, the company demonstrates that environmental responsibility and operational excellence can drive each other forward towards a transformative future.
