Vedanta Aluminium advances logistics system at its smelters by adopting BOBRN captive coal rakes

Vedanta Aluminium has taken a plunge into improving its coal transportation at its smelters in Jharsuguda, Odisha, Korba, and Chattisgarh by introducing the Bogie Open Bottom Rapid Discharge Railway Wagon with pneumatic door opening actuators (BOBRN) into the logistics system. This strategic move, a part of the General Purpose Wagon Investment Scheme (GPWIS) initiated by the Indian Railways, is expected to enhance operational efficiency throughout Vedanta’s upstream aluminium ecosystem and accelerate sustainability objectives by reducing emissions and operative costs.

Vedanta Aluminium has included four BOBRN rakes and, going ahead, intends to add four more. The BOBRN railway wagons are most often used to transport a bulk amount of coal between various locations. Each wagon can hold 56 tonnes of coal loaded from the top and unloaded from the bottom by means of pneumatic doors. The wagons enable bottom unloading directly into hopper pits and reduce turnaround time for material delivery.

Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director of BALCO, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “The inclusion of BOBRN rakes reinforces our dedication to enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability goals. This step is crucial in establishing a resilient supply chain as we work towards achieving our net-zero target by 2050.”

This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in reducing Vedanta’s carbon footprint and making aluminium a more environmentally friendly industry, turning it into the ‘Metal of the Future’.