A leap towards green mobility: Vedanta deploys 116 new electric forklifts at Jharsuguda smelter

The announcement coincides with World Sustainable Transport Day on November 26, an annual UN observance that highlights the importance of safe, accessible and environmentally responsible transport networks to support socio-economic development in the coming years.. This year's theme resonated well at Vedanta Limited, where sustainable mobility is increasingly viewed as an essential pillar of wider corporate goals, which also include climate action and gender equality.

Technology-driven progress towards low-carbon operations

The latest phase of the initiative has unfolded over multiple stages, leading to the final deployment of 116 electric forklifts at the company's Jharsuguda smelter alone. Vedanta Limited expects that the addition of this number of electric forklifts replacing fuel-driven forklifts at Jharsuguda will help them cut roughly 4450 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions every year and save about 16.3 lakh litres of diesel annually.

The new forklifts are highly functional, offering faster charging with significantly lower maintenance requirements. The new product line strengthens both productivity and long-term resilience. Besides, some of the forklifts are also now operated by women and transgender professionals, reflecting Vedanta's deep commitment to social transformation.

The company has also recorded a series of firsts through the programme, including the introduction of India's first 10-tonne capacity electric forklifts at the Jharsuguda smelter. These milestones form part of Vedanta's broader decarbonisation roadmap, which targets a net-zero carbon footprint by 2050 and the complete electrification of its Light Motor Vehicle fleet by 2030.

Vedanta Aluminium CEO, Rajiv Kumar, has stated their move as an operational leap and a cultural shift at the same time. "At Vedanta Limited 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."

Vedanta's move to cut down on fossil fuel use and remove thousands of tonnes of emissions from its yearly footprint shows how seriously the company is pursuing low-carbon operations. Its growing electric fleet demonstrates that strong environmental choices can sit comfortably alongside efficient, high-performing industrial work, pointing the way toward a more sustainable and socially aware model for heavy industry in India.