BALCO inducts second BTAP railway rake to strengthen alumina logistics, support 1 MTPA expansion
Korba, Aug 4: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) has strengthened its raw material supply chain with the induction of its second Bogie Tank Alumina Powder (BTAP) M-1 (B12) Railway Rake, a move aimed at enhancing logistics efficiency and supporting the company’s expansion towards 1 million tonnes per annum (1 MTPA) aluminium production.
Alumina, the principal raw material used in aluminium manufacturing, is transported over long distances before reaching BALCO’s smelter in Korba. The company said uninterrupted and timely movement of alumina is critical for maintaining stable production, and the new railway rake will help ensure a more reliable and efficient supply chain.
The newly inducted rake has been introduced under Indian Railways’ Liberalised Special Freight Train Operator (LSFTO) Scheme, enabling BALCO to increase the share of rail-based transportation while reducing dependence on road logistics. The initiative is expected to improve the movement of bulk raw material, enhance operational efficiency and deliver long-term cost benefits.
BALCO stated that greater use of rail transport will also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing logistics-related carbon emissions. The initiative aligns with parent company Vedanta’s commitment to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2030 through cleaner and more sustainable industrial operations.
The company has also integrated the new rake into its digital logistics management system. A 24×7 Control Tower, supported by GPS-enabled tracking, live monitoring and CCTV surveillance across plant yards, provides real-time visibility of material movement, enabling faster decision-making and improved operational control.
According to BALCO, the addition of the second BTAP railway rake is more than an infrastructure upgrade. It is expected to strengthen production planning, minimise supply disruptions and create a resilient logistics network capable of supporting the company’s future growth.
As BALCO advances towards its ambitious 1 MTPA production target, the company believes strategic investments in modern logistics infrastructure will play a vital role in ensuring efficient operations, sustainable growth and uninterrupted raw material availability for its aluminium manufacturing facilities.
