In a record-setting development in India’s mining and construction equipment sector, an all-women team from Larsen & Toubro’s Construction & Mining Machinery business (L&T CMB) has commissioned a 100-tonne dump truck at Tata Steel’s Noamundi iron ore mine in Jharkhand.

This marks the first instance in India where a machine of such scale and complexity has been assembled, tested and commissioned entirely by women technicians. The milestone reflects L&T’s commitment to fostering gender inclusivity and empowering women in traditionally male-dominated industries.

The Komatsu HD785-7, a 1,200-horsepower dump truck, is among the largest in its class and features advanced systems such as variable horsepower control, automatic retard speed control and KOMTRAX Plus telematics.

The commissioning took place between 28 July and 2 August, in just six days, with the team overcoming operational challenges posed by heavy monsoon rains. From axle mounting to hydraulic integration, the work was executed with precision and professionalism. The engine was fired on 1 August, and full system integration was completed by 2 August.

On 18 August, the machine was ceremonially handed over to Tata Steel, operated by an all-women crew, creating a continuity of pride. Women engineers prepared the machine, and women operators will now drive it in production.

L&T CMB’s commissioning team included Alisha Jerai, Anamika Kerai, Banashree Mondal, Monorama Banerjee, Nutan Bobanga, Priyanka Biswas, Ruby Sharma, Sanjana Sarkar, Sasi Kumari Mahato and Soma Karmakar. Their achievement highlights L&T’s robust training ecosystem, combining technical instruction, mentorship and practical experience.

Reflecting on the experience, Ruby Sharma said, “Initially, we had doubts about whether we could take on certain jobs. But as the days went by, we realised we could accomplish the tasks, one after the other.”

Sanjana Sarkar added, “It felt incredible because this dumper was not just commissioned by us — it was handed over to a woman driver as well. A team of women commissioning a giant machine from start to finish gives us immense pride.”

Lauding the accomplishment, Arvind K Garg, Advisor to the L&T CMD, said, “Moments like this remind us — when given an opportunity, women don’t just break barriers. They step forward, take ownership and simply walk over them. What this team has achieved is more than commissioning a mammoth machine. It is a quiet triumph that will be remembered as a turning point in the mining sector.”

The Komatsu HD785-7 will now haul iron ore at the Noamundi mine. Its legacy stands as a testament to belief, training, support and the women who transformed steel into a living giant.