Tata Steel on Wednesday announced plans to deploy female employees across all three shifts at its Jamshedpur plant, expanding its gender diversity initiative.
In a statement, the company said 543 women across 21 departments will be working in three shifts by 1 February 2026. The rollout will take place in phases, following recent regulatory approvals that allow women to work night shifts in factories.
The initiative forms part of Udaan: Wings of Change, Tata Steel’s programme aimed at increasing female participation in shopfloor operations. The company said the expansion marked a significant step towards strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across its workforce.
“This expansion follows recent regulatory approvals from the government and reflects Tata Steel’s proactive approach to creating an inclusive work environment,” the company said.
Atrayee Sanyal, Chief People Officer of Tata Steel, said: “By enabling female employees to participate in three-shift operations, we are not only expanding opportunities but also strengthening our organisational fabric through diverse perspectives and capabilities. We have meticulously planned a comprehensive support system to ensure their safety, security, well-being and professional growth.”
The company added that the support system would include infrastructure, transport, health and security measures to safeguard women employees across shifts.
Tata Steel was among the first industrial employers in India to introduce women in operational roles at its steel plants. The Jamshedpur expansion underscores the company’s broader strategy of aligning workplace practices with global standards on inclusivity.
The phased deployment is expected to be completed by early 2026, positioning Tata Steel as one of the country’s leading manufacturers integrating women into round-the-clock industrial operations.