BALCO deploys new, advanced rakes to ensure sustainable transport of raw materials
Each BOBRN rake used for coal procurement at BALCO supplants the need for 120 Trucks
Balconagar;18thApril 2024: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer and a partof Vedanta Aluminium, has inducted its first Bogie Open Bottom Rapid Discharge Pneumatic High Speed Model 2(BOBRNHSM2) Rake within its operations, marking yet anotherstep toward ensuringan efficient and sustainablesupply chain for the procurement of key raw materials. This strategic additionwillenable the smoother handling of coalsupplies via rail with each rake supplanting the need for nearly 120 trucks,thus enhancing operational efficiency significantly.
Undertaken as part of the General Purpose Wagon Investment Scheme (GPWIS)offered by the Indian Railways, the initiative aims to streamline theefficient distribution of coal resources, playing a substantial role in optimizingthe domesticsupply chain along with a reduction in logistical costs. Moreover, the BOBRN Wagon features Bottom Discharge Doors which facilitate a swift and efficient unloading process, translating into a tangible reduction in unloading times. This also helps optimize the average rotation cycle for acquiring crucial raw materials, an important factor in sustaining major industrial operations such as at BALCO.
Furthermore, rail transportation offers amultitudeof advantages over road transportation.The massive load capacity of railways minimizes the reliance on road networks,thereby reducingthe burden on public infrastructure, enhancing road safety and easing traffic management.It also helps make industrial operations more sustainable by dramatically reducing the carbon footprint associated with material movement, making an important contribution to sustainability efforts.
Speaking on the adoption of innovative solution, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director, BALCO, said, “BALCO remains steadfast in harnessing leading-edge technologies and greener solutions to drive superior business performances. The introduction of the BOBRNHSM2 Rake stands as a testament to this approach. Our pursuit for operational excellence, both within and beyond our operations, is guided by a commitment to prioritizing safety and sustainability. This strategic intervention not only fosters a culture of responsible operations but also propels us towards a future where sustainability is ingrained in every facet of our business.”
These strategicinnovations also play a pivotal role in elevating BALCO’s operational excellence. The implementation of a digital tracking mechanism for Finished Goods (FG) vehicles has helped BALCO achieve alowest-ever average turn-around-time (TAT) of 5.45 hours within its plant operations, a remarkable improvement over the previous 15 hours duration. The introduction of mechanized ingot loading, a first in the aluminium industry, has further eliminated the need for human intervention,increasing operational safety and conserving significant time and resources, while bolstering domestic dispatches and boosting customer satisfaction.
The company has also undertaken several associated digital initiatives, such as the Finished Goods Control Towerwhich incorporates a 24*7 live monitoring dashboard that offers real-time GPS tracking and speed monitoring, ensuring seamless operations round the clock. Additionally, the implementation of centralized CCTV surveillance in railway yards further enhances security and monitoring capabilities.Such interventions have helped BALCOwin gold in four categories at the Chapter Conventions of Quality Circle (CCQC), underscoring its commitment to excellence in logistics. With a relentless pursuit of innovation, BALCO reaffirms its position as a leader in the global aluminium industry, driving progress and excellence in all facets of its operations.
Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) is India’s iconic aluminium producer. It is owned 51% by Vedanta Limited and 49% by the Government of India. BALCO is part of Vedanta’s Aluminium Business, a division of Vedanta Limited, which is India’s largest manufacturer of aluminium.Vedanta Aluminium ranks 1st in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 world rankings for the aluminium industry, a reflection of its sustainable development practices. BALCO operates a 0.57 million tonne per annum aluminium smelter in Korba, Chhattisgarh. It is also a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. With its world-class smelter and power plants, the company fulfills its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.
