Vedanta Aluminium Expands India’s Largest Lithium-Ion Electric Forklift Fleet to 142 Units!

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s leading producer of aluminium, has taken a major leap forward in sustainable industrial logistics by expanding its lithium-ion battery-powered electric forklift fleet to 142 units across its operations in Odisha and Chhattisgarh—more than double the previous count. The announcement, made on World Sustainable Transport Day (November 26), underscores the company’s commitment to cleaner, more resource-efficient mobility within the manufacturing sector and aligns with global efforts to transition toward low-emission transport systems.

World Sustainable Transport Day, observed annually by the United Nations, emphasizes the need for safe, accessible and environmentally responsible transportation. Vedanta Aluminium’s shift toward electric forklifts supports this mission and reinforces the company’s broader sustainability roadmap, which includes achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and fully decarbonizing its Light Motor Vehicle fleet by 2030. The initiative is part of a comprehensive approach that balances environmental impact reduction with operational efficiency and social responsibility.

The phased deployment of the expanded fleet is already yielding significant environmental and operational benefits. At the Jharsuguda smelter, where 116 of the new forklifts are operational, the company expects to eliminate nearly 4,450 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions annually. Additionally, the transition is projected to reduce diesel consumption by approximately 1.63 million litres per year, contributing to both emissions reduction and significant cost savings. Beyond the environmental advantages, lithium-ion forklifts offer faster charging, minimal maintenance, better maneuverability and stronger safety performance—directly supporting Vedanta’s commitment to operational excellence.

Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, highlighted that the expansion reflects the company’s belief that sustainability is both a catalyst for innovation and a pathway to inclusive growth. By embracing advanced clean-energy technologies, Vedanta is not only lowering its carbon footprint but also opening new opportunities for diverse workforce participation. In several units, electric forklifts are now being operated by women and transgender professionals, marking a progressive shift in workplace inclusivity within heavy industry. The rollout at Jharsuguda also includes India’s first 10-tonne capacity electric forklifts, showcasing the company’s pioneering role in large-scale industrial electrification.

Vedanta Aluminium’s growing electric forklift fleet demonstrates how environmentally responsible practices can be successfully scaled without compromising productivity. The initiative highlights the company’s leadership in driving industrial decarbonisation, integrating sustainability into core operations and setting new benchmarks for clean logistics in India’s manufacturing landscape. By combining environmental stewardship with high-performance operations and inclusive workforce development, Vedanta is contributing to a more sustainable and future-ready industrial ecosystem.