JHARSUGUDA, FEB 22
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, conducted the third edition of its road safety awareness program, ‘Suraksha Sarathi,’ at Samleswari Mines in Brajrajnagar on Friday. The event was organized in partnership with Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), Brajrajnagar Truck Owners’ Association (BTOA), and transport companies like Inani Coal Services Pvt. Ltd. Over 500 truck drivers participated in the event, highlighting their important role in road safety.
Following the success of earlier programs in Sundargarh, this initiative continues Vedanta Jharsuguda’s efforts to promote safe driving practices at coal loading points near its operations.
The awareness drive included a street play featuring the mythical characters Yamraj and Chitragupta, a road safety quiz, distribution of safety kits, and a free health check-up camp. These activities helped emphasize the importance of following traffic rules and safety measures.
The event was attended by key officials, including Lokanath Meher, Motor Vehicle Inspector of Jharsuguda; Kanhaiya Mishra, Project Officer of Samleswari Open Cast Project; K Verma, Area Safety Manager; RK Sharma, Staff Officer Mining; and representatives from BTOA and Inani Coal Services. Senior executives from Vedanta, including Ravi Shahi, COO & Director of Fuel Security, and Ernesto Matela, Director of Safety, were also present.
Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, stating, “Safety is a core value at Vedanta Aluminium. Through ‘Suraksha Sarathi,’ we want to spread road safety awareness beyond our operations and into the community. This initiative helps truck drivers prioritize safety, creating a safer environment for everyone.”
Lokanath Meher, Motor Vehicle Inspector, appreciated the initiative, saying, “The joint efforts of Vedanta Aluminium and the district administration are helping build a culture of road safety among truck drivers. Such programs are essential in reducing accidents and improving safety in the region.”
