BEML launches India’s largest indigenously developed rope shovel, hands it over to Coal India

New Delhi: In a landmark development for India’s mining and heavy engineering sectors, BEML Limited has unveiled the country’s largest indigenously designed and developed electric rope shovel, the BRS21. The launch marks a major advancement in the nation’s journey towards self-reliance under the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.

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The equipment was ceremoniously handed over by BEML Limited's Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Shantanu Roy to Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) B Sairam in the presence of Coal India Limited (CIL) Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) PM Prasad at Nigahi Mines in Singrauli. The event was also attended by functional directors and senior officials from BEML, CIL, and NCL.

Weighing 720 tonnes and equipped with a 21 cubic metre bottom dump bucket, the BRS21 rope shovel stands as one of the most advanced machines in its class. Designed, engineered, and manufactured entirely in India, the BRS21 brings a significant technological leap in opencast mining operations by offering a zero-emission, electric-driven solution for large-scale overburden removal. The machine is powered by a Siemens IGBT-based AC drive system and integrates sophisticated features such as 360-degree vision, fatigue monitoring, predictive maintenance systems, real-time diagnostics, and a centralized lubrication system. It also prioritizes operator safety and comfort with an ergonomically designed, spacious cabin, dust-free machinery compartments, and high-intensity LED lighting for night operations.

Speaking on the occasion, Roy said the unveiling of BRS21 represented a proud milestone for India, highlighting the country’s growing engineering capabilities and alignment with sustainable mining goals. He noted that the successful development of the machine in just 24 months is a testament to BEML’s technical strength and commitment to nation-building. Roy also expressed his gratitude to Coal India and NCL for their continuous support and trust in BEML’s indigenous innovation efforts.

Echoing this sentiment, Prasad said that the launch of the BRS21 marked a defining moment for India’s mining industry. He emphasized that the achievement symbolized a shift from dependence on imported heavy mining equipment to domestically developed solutions, reinforcing India’s commitment to environmentally sustainable and technologically advanced mining practices.

The BRS21 rope shovel is expected to save approximately 189 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year per machine, underlining its contribution to India’s climate and sustainability targets. With its robust construction and intelligent systems designed for extreme mining conditions, the BRS21 not only addresses the growing demand for high-capacity mining equipment but also strengthens India’s strategic position in critical industrial infrastructure.

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