Over 250 attendees marked the launch of the initiative, which deploys a QR-linked smart tracking system to ensure public transport safety
Jharsuguda, Odisha, 22ndMay 2026: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has extended its support to the Jharsuguda Police in launching Operation Netra, a Smart Auto Tracking System aimed at enhancing passenger safety, transparency and confidence in public transport across the district. The launch of the citizen-focused initiative took place in the presence of several senior officials from the district administration, police, and industry leaders, along with over 250 community members, including 150+ auto rickshaw drivers as well as other members of the local transport ecosystem.
The event was attended by Himanshu Kumar Lal, IPS, Inspector General of Police (Northern Range); Gundala Reddy Raghavendra, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Jharsuguda; Kunal Motiram Chavan, Collector & District Magistrate, Jharsuguda; and C Chandru, CEO – Vedanta Aluminium, Jharsuguda.
Operation Netra’s Smart Auto Tracking System integrates cutting-edge technology with modesof public transport to create a more secure and transparent commuting experience in Jharsuguda. As part of the initiative, registered auto rickshaws across the district are being equipped with prominently placed QR code stickers, along with detailed information sheets inside vehicles displaying the driver and vehicle particulars, including contact details and license information. By scanning the QR code, passengers can access a variety of safety features such as sending live tracking requests to police authorities, sharing journey details, registering complaints related to overcharging, rash driving, misbehavior or route deviations, and locating nearby police stations along with emergency contacts.
Speaking on the occasion, C Chandru, CEO – Vedanta Aluminium, Jharsuguda said, “At Vedanta Jharsuguda, we believe that technology-led community initiatives play a vital role in building safer and smarter cities. The Smart Auto Tracking System under Operation Netra is a progressive step towards strengthening public safety and enhancing trust within the transport ecosystem. We are proud to support Jharsuguda Police in this meaningful initiative that directly benefits citizens and promotes responsible urban mobility.”
Speaking on the occasion, Gundala Reddy Raghavendra, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Jharsuguda, appreciated Vedanta’s support in launching Operation Netra, in the presence of several senior government officials and community members.
Supported by Vedanta Jharsuguda as part of its commitment to advancing community development in the region, Operation Netra is an initiative that aligns with the company’s wider efforts that reach out to over 3.9 lakh people across 79 villages in Jharsuguda. The initiative is expected to significantly enhance public commuter confidence while strengthening accountability and transparency across the district’s public transport system.
Vedanta Aluminium continues to work closely with the Jharsuguda district administration to support initiatives that strengthen community infrastructure and public welfare. In FY26, the company supported the revamp of the Government Satellite Hospital at Mangal Bazaarto enhance healthcare access in the district. On the environmental front, it has undertaken large scale plantation drives across Jharsuguda under the Government of India’s Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 campaign.Such efforts reflect the company’s continued role in supporting inclusive growth and improving quality of life across Jharsuguda and Odisha.
