Women Power: L&T Team Assembles and Commissions 100-Tonne Dump Truck

In a historic milestone for India’s mining and construction sector, an all-women team from Larsen & Toubro’s Construction & Mining Machinery division (L&T CMB) successfully assembled and commissioned a mammoth 100-tonne Komatsu HD785-7 dump truck at Tata Steel’s Noamundi iron ore mine in Jharkhand. This is the first time in India that a machine of such scale and complexity has been built entirely by women technicians.

The Komatsu HD785-7, powered by a 1,200-horsepower engine, is one of the largest dump trucks in its class, featuring advanced systems like variable horsepower control, automatic retard speed control, and KOMTRAX Plus telematics. Over six days, from July 28 to August 2, the women team meticulously handled every stage of assembly—from axle mounting to hydraulic integration—overcoming operational challenges posed by heavy monsoon rains. The engine was successfully fired up on August 1, and by August 2, the machine was fully commissioned and ready for operation.

On August 18, the giant machine was ceremonially handed over to Tata Steel, where it will now be operated by an all-women operator crew. This continuity—from assembly to operation—highlights the growing role of women in traditionally male-dominated sectors, reflecting both empowerment and inclusivity.

The L&T CMB commissioning team comprised Alisha Jerai, Anamika Kerai, Banashree Mondal, Monorama Banerjee, Nutan Bobanga, Priyanka Biswas, Ruby Sharma, Sanjana Sarkar, Sasi Kumari Mahato, and Soma Karmakar. Their success is a testament to L&T’s robust training programs, combining technical instruction, hands-on experience, and mentorship.

Reflecting on the achievement, Ruby Sharma shared, “Initially, we doubted our ability to handle such tasks, but one by one, we proved we could do it.” Sanjana Sarkar added, “Commissioning this dumper and handing it over to women operators gives us immense pride.”

Arvind K Garg, Advisor to L&T CMD, praised the team, stating, “This isn’t just about assembling a machine. It’s a quiet triumph that proves women break barriers when given opportunity.”

This 100-tonne Komatsu HD785-7 now begins its operational journey at Noamundi, standing as a symbol of skill, determination, and the growing power of women in India’s industrial landscape.