BALCO adds second alumina railway rake to support 1 MTPA aluminium expansion

Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd (BALCO) has inducted its second Bogie Tank Alumina Powder (BTAP) M-1 (B12) railway rake at its railway yard, strengthening the movement of alumina to support its aluminium production expansion.

BALCO introduced the new rake as it works to increase its aluminium production capacity to 1 million tonnes a year. Alumina is the main raw material for making aluminium, so its transport must be smooth and regular for smelter operations.

The rake has been inducted under Indian Railways' Liberalised Special Freight Train Operator (LSFTO) Scheme, allowing BALCO to increase the share of rail transport in its logistics network. The company said greater use of rail will improve the movement of bulk alumina while reducing dependence on road transportation.

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According to BALCO, rail transport provides more reliable handling of large cargo volumes and is expected to improve logistics efficiency while lowering transportation costs.

The company also said increased rail movement is expected to reduce logistics-related emissions and support Vedanta's target of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2030.

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The newly inducted rake has been integrated into BALCO's digital logistics system. The company operates a 24-hour control tower with GPS-based tracking, live monitoring and CCTV surveillance to monitor material movement and improve supply chain visibility.

BALCO said the additional railway rake will strengthen raw material availability, improve production planning and support its long-term aluminium expansion plans as it moves towards the 1 MTPA production target.