BALCO deploys new, advanced rakes to ensure sustainable transport of raw materials

Balconagar; 15th April 2024: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer and a part of Vedanta Aluminium, has inducted its first Bogie Open Bottom Rapid Discharge (BOBRNHSM2) Rake within its operations, marking yet another step toward ensuring an efficient and sustainable supply chain for the procurement of key raw materials. This strategic addition will enable the smoother handling of coal supplies 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 the efficient distribution of coal resources, playing a substantial role in optimizing the domestic supply 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 a multitude of advantages over road transportation. The massive load capacity of railways minimizes the reliance on road networks, thereby reducing the 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 strategic innovations 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 a lowest-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 Tower which 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 BALCO win 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.

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