APRIL 20268VEDANTA LAUNCHES ALUMINIUM PARK IN ODISHA WITH 2 MoUsVedanta Ltd has kicked off downstream activity at the Vedanta Aluminium Park in Odisha by signing two MoUs with Singhal Steel & Power Pvt Ltd and SCOT-AL Metcon Pvt Ltd for setting up aluminium-based manufacturing units. The agreements mark the first industrial step inside the upcoming aluminium cluster in Odisha.The move signals the start of operations at the Vedanta Aluminium Park in Odisha's Jharsuguda, which is being developed as a major downstream aluminium manufacturing hub in the state. The foundation stone for the project was laid in December 2022.Spread across 253 acres, the park has allocated 56 acres in Phase I for downstream industries. It is being built as a sustainability-driven industrial ecosystem designed to cut carbon emissions by an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 tonnes annually by reducing re-melting and transport needs.A key feature of the park is direct access to hot metal from Vedanta's nearby smelter complex. This integrated system is expected to improve efficiency, reduce production costs, and speed up manufacturing for aluminium-based industries.The first two MoUs are expected to bring investments of over Rs 500 crore and generate around 1,500 direct and indirect jobs, while also strengthening MSME participation in Odisha's industrial growth."With the aluminium park, Vedanta is moving beyond primary production towards value-added manufacturing. Building a robust downstream ecosystem will unlock new opportunities for industries, MSMEs and local entrepreneurs, while further strengthening Odisha's position in the global aluminium manufacturing landscape," said Rajiv Kumar, chief executive officer of Vedanta Aluminium.Minister for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education Sampad Chandra Swain said, "The aluminium park would accelerate investments, create large-scale employment and strengthen the state's manufacturing capabilities," during the MoU signing ceremony. TOP STORIESTOP STORIESTOP STORIESINDIAN RAILWAYS EXPANSION GETS INR 1.53 TRILLION BOOSTIndian Railways expansion has taken a major leap today, with 100 new projects approved for FY 2025­26 and a total investment of INR 1.53 trillion.This marks a sharp rise from last year, with project approvals up 56 percent, route coverage more than doubling, and funding jumping over 110 percent.The plan will cover more than 6,000 kilometers of railway network. These projects include new lines, track doubling, multitracking, bypass routes, flyovers, and chord lines. The aim is clear--reduce congestion, improve punctuality, and expand access to regions that have long remained underserved.States like Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh are seeing the highest number of projects. Their role in freight movement, industrial growth, and passenger demand makes them key to strengthening the national rail network. Better connectivity here is expected to boost logistics and drive economic activity across sectors.Indian Railways expansion is also focused on reaching remote and tribal areas. Projects like the Rowghat­Jagdalpur line in Chhattisgarh and new corridors in Jharkhand and Odisha are expected to improve access to jobs, healthcare, education, and markets for communities that need it the most.Several large-scale projects form the backbone of this push. Over 35 projects are valued above INR 1,000 crore, including major lines like Kasara­Manmad and Itarsi­Nagpur. Together, these alone account for more than INR 28,000 crore.Aligned with the PM Gati Shakti plan, the projects aim to boost cargo capacity under the Mission 3000 MT target. With better freight movement, lower logistics costs, and strong demand for steel and cement, this expansion is expected to create jobs and support long-term economic growth.
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