India’s leading aluminum producer Vedanta Aluminum has expanded the country’s largest lithium-ion battery-powered electric forklift fleet to 142 vehicles, more than double its previous number. Deployed across its state-of-the-art operations in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, this milestone marks a major leap towards sustainable industrial logistics.
The initiative, announced on World Sustainable Transport Day (26 November), reflects Vedanta’s commitment to transform India’s industrial ecosystem through clean, efficient and future-ready mobility solutions.
World Sustainable Transport Day, celebrated annually by the United Nations, highlights the importance of safe, accessible and environmentally responsible transport systems that support sustainable economic growth and global cooperation for low-emission infrastructure.
In addition to reducing environmental impact and increasing efficiency, sustainable transport is emerging as an important catalyst for achieving broader development goals such as gender equality and climate action. The transition to electric forklifts is in line with Vedanta’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, while also advancing its goal of decarbonizing its light motor vehicle (LMV) fleet by 2030.
Vedanta Aluminum’s significant milestone was achieved through a multi-phase rollout of 142 electric forklifts into its operations, delivering transformational 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 liters every year. Beyond these sustainability benefits, the change enhances workplace safety and enhances operational efficiency through faster charging and reduced maintenance requirements, reinforcing Vedanta’s vision of aligning operational excellence with environmental responsibility and social progress.
Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Rajeev Kumar, CEO – Vedanta Aluminium, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we see sustainability as more than a commitment, it is a catalyst for change. Our expanded electric forklift fleet is a testament to what happens when we invest in technologies that benefit both our operations and our planet. This milestone not only strengthens our environmental efforts, but also the industry roles we play in “It has also created new pathways to greater inclusion that were once considered inaccessible to women.”
The initiative has created new opportunities for inclusive growth, with many 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 change. The initiative has also seen other achievements, such as the deployment of India’s first 10 tonne capacity electric forklift at Vedanta Jharsuguda’s smelter operations.
By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and eliminating thousands of tonnes of emissions annually, Vedanta Aluminum is not only meeting its environmental goals, but also setting the standard for how industries can decarbonize without compromising performance or productivity. By leading India’s largest industrial electric forklift fleet, the company demonstrates that environmental responsibility and operational excellence can drive each other towards a transformative future.