“Over1500 drivers from manufacturing industry participated in the event“
Jharsuguda: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s foremost aluminum producer, organized a grand road safety awareness campaign named ‘Suraksha Sarathi’ at Lakhanpur Mines in Jharsuguda. This endeavor, undertaken in collaboration with Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) and prominent transporter unions such as Maa Samleswari Truck Owner Association (MSTOA) and Ayush Road Lines, gathered over 1500 drivers, honoring them as ‘Sarathis’ (Charioteers) for their pivotal role in ensuring road safety.
The event, aimed at highlighting the critical importance of road safety, featured a range of activities orchestrated by Vedanta Aluminium. These included a captivating street play, starring actors portraying the mythical figures Yamraj and Chitragupta, complimentary health check-ups, a road safety quiz, and the distribution of road safety kits. These initiatives garnered praise from the drivers and underscored the significance of adhering to traffic regulations and safety standards.
Distinguished officials, including Mr. Dinabandhu Sundhi, Road Transport Officer, Jharsuguda; Mr. Loknath Meher, Motor Vehicle Inspector, Jharsuguda; Mr. Sanjay Jha, General Manager, MCL, Lakhanpur; Mr. Akhil Swain, President, MSTOA; Mr. Santosh Mohanty, General Secretary, MSTOA; and Mr. Chandan Agrawal from Ayush Road Lines, actively participated in the event.
Mr. Sunil Gupta, COO of Vedanta Aluminium, reiterated the company’s commitment to prioritizing safety. He stated, “At Vedanta Aluminium, the safety of our people and partners is paramount. Initiatives like ‘Suraksha Sarathi’ reflect our dedication to extending a culture of care beyond our operations, ensuring the well-being of our communities.”
In recognition of Vedanta’s efforts, Mr. Dinabandhu Sundhi, Regional Transport Officer, Jharsuguda, expressed his gratitude, stating, “Through collaborative efforts with Vedanta Aluminium, we aim to make Jharsuguda a district free from road accidents.”
Vedanta Aluminium has implemented various initiatives to bolster its safety-centric culture, including the Sankalp Safety Culture Transformation Programme, an Augmented and Virtual Reality Training Centre, digitalization of operations, video analytics for fire detection, and the establishment of an all-women fire-fighting team named ‘Agnivahini’. Additionally, the company conducts Safety Stand Down programs, regular mock drills, and safety awareness sessions in collaboration with national and state disaster management authorities. Furthermore, Vedanta Aluminium provides fire, electrical, and household safety training to school students and community members through its employee volunteers.
Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.29 million tonnes in FY23. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. 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. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.