Women professionals take on critical roles across production, mining, electrical systems and safety, reflecting the changing face of India’s manufacturing sector
TFP Bureau, Korba,August 19, 2026: Women engineers are increasingly taking on critical technical and operational responsibilities in India’s manufacturing sector, challenging the traditionally male-dominated profile of engineering workplaces. At Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), women engineers are contributing across production, mining, operations, electrical systems and safety, combining technical expertise with leadership and a strong focus on operational excellence.
From managing advanced machinery on the shop floor to leading teams and implementing improvement initiatives, BALCO’s women engineers are demonstrating that professional capability, skills and commitment are the key drivers of success.
Turning challenges into opportunities
Anshika Singh, a Chemical Engineering graduate from IPS Academy, Indore, is among the engineers contributing to aluminium production at BALCO. Working in the Cast House, one of the critical areas of the production process, she has built her career around innovation, teamwork and continuous improvement.
“Initially, my biggest challenge was to establish myself on the shop floor and earn the trust of my colleagues through my work,” Singh said. She added that the support of senior leaders and opportunities to work on new ideas encouraged her to continuously improve.
With the support of the management, Singh initiated a Reward and Recognition initiative aimed at improving team morale and performance. She said one of the most significant aspects of her professional journey has been gaining recognition for her capabilities and contributions.
Her experience, she believes, can encourage more women to consider careers in manufacturing and technically demanding shop-floor roles.
Electrical engineer leads power reliability initiative
Another example is Aruna, an Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduate from NIT Sikkim, who joined BALCO immediately after completing her studies.
Initially apprehensive about beginning her career in a plant environment, Aruna said the support of colleagues and confidence shown by senior leadership helped her overcome the initial challenges. Over four years, her willingness to learn and commitment to her responsibilities have enabled her to take on increasingly important assignments.
“When senior leaders place their confidence in you for your work, it naturally brings a greater sense of responsibility,” Aruna said, adding that consistent effort and sincerity have helped her strengthen her professional capabilities.
As part of her responsibilities, Aruna’s team worked on improving BALCO’s power backup system by centralising it through SCADA. The system enables monitoring and analysis of multiple data points, helping identify potential problems in advance and facilitating timely corrective action.
Her contribution to the initiative earned her the plant’s highest recognition, the CEO Award.
Changing face of manufacturing
The experiences of BALCO’s women engineers highlight the evolving nature of India’s manufacturing and aluminium industry. By working in technically challenging environments, leading teams and implementing operational improvements, they are contributing to both business performance and a more inclusive workplace.
Their journeys also underline the importance of equal opportunities, professional development and an organisational environment where talent can flourish without barriers.
As BALCO continues to strengthen its capabilities and prepare for the future of aluminium manufacturing, its women engineers are emerging as an important part of that transformation. Their achievements are also helping create pathways for the next generation of women to pursue careers in engineering, technology and manufacturing.
